Suarez Scores Twice as Inter Miami Beat Tigres Without Messi in Leagues Cup

 

Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-final, thanks to two penalty goals by Luis Suarez. With Lionel Messi ruled out due to a minor muscle injury, Suarez rose to the occasion in a tightly contested match. Messi had returned briefly to action on Saturday, scoring in a win against LA Galaxy, but was not fit enough to feature against Tigres.

In a game with limited chances, the breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Tigres defender Javier Aquino handled the ball in the box. Suarez calmly converted the penalty to give Miami a 1-0 lead. Tensions flared after the goal, with Rodrigo De Paul and Tigres' Fernando Gorriaran exchanging words, prompting Suarez to step in and defuse the situation.

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Inter coach Javier Mascherano was sent off at halftime after protesting added injury time, forcing him to watch the second half from the stands. Tigres equalized in the 67th minute through Angel Correa, who broke through the defense and beat goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

But another Aquino handball in the 87th minute, confirmed by VAR, gave Miami a second penalty. Suarez converted again, this time sending the keeper the wrong way and sealing the win.

Luis Suarez was the clear star of the match as Inter Miami pushed through to the Leagues Cup semi-finals without their captain Lionel Messi. This result keeps Miami’s hopes alive for a second straight Leagues Cup title, after winning it in 2023 during Messi’s debut season in Major League Soccer. The match, part of a four-game quarter-final lineup, was closely fought and emotionally charged, showing the intensity of MLS and Liga MX rivalries.

Despite missing their star player, Miami capitalized on crucial mistakes by Tigres, especially from Javier Aquino, who gave away both penalties. VAR played a significant role in confirming the decisive handball late in the game. Suarez’s composure and experience proved vital, especially in the closing stages when the pressure was highest.

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With coach Mascherano watching from the stands after his red card, the team maintained focus and discipline. The match result not only moves Miami closer to a title but also toward a possible spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Both Leagues Cup finalists and the winner of the third-place match will qualify, with the champion getting direct entry into the round of 16.

Other quarter-final matches on the night included Toluca vs Orlando City, LA Galaxy vs Pachuca, and Seattle Sounders vs Puebla.