Messi Absent, but Suarez Brace Sends Inter Miami Past Tigres in Leagues Cup Quarterfinal

Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez scores the match-winning penalty in the 89th minute against the Mexican side Tigres UANL in their Leagues Cup quarterfinal match on August 20, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US [Lynne Sladky/AP]

Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mexican giants Tigres UANL on Wednesday night, thanks to a brace from veteran striker Luis Suárez, who scored both goals from the penalty spot in Lionel Messi’s absence.

The Argentine superstar, who had led Miami to victory over LA Galaxy in the previous round, did not train ahead of the quarterfinal clash and was ruled out due to fitness concerns. “We all go off what Messi is feeling. Today, Javier [Mascherano] spoke with him, and he wasn’t feeling the best. We preferred not to risk him,” said assistant coach Javier Morales after the match.

Despite Messi’s absence, Miami struck first. Suárez converted from the spot after Tigres defender Javier Aquino handled the ball while blocking a cross from Jordi Alba.

Tigres fought back in the second half, with Ángel Correa slicing through the Miami defense in the 67th minute to level the score.

But Miami had the last word. Another Aquino handball in the box gifted Suárez a second penalty, which he buried in the 89th minute to seal the win. Tigres nearly equalized deep into stoppage time when Édgar López’s header hit both posts before bouncing out.

The match was not without controversy. Head coach Javier Mascherano was shown a red card at halftime after being caught on live television speaking on the phone and giving instructions from the stands — a violation of Leagues Cup rules.

To add to Miami’s concerns, Jordi Alba was forced off early in the second half with a lower-leg injury after a collision late in the first.

Inter Miami will now look ahead to the semifinals, hoping Messi recovers in time to join Suárez and Alba in their push for another title.