Messi-less Inter Miami Advance Past Tigres in Leagues Cup Thriller
Inter Miami faced their toughest test yet in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, overcoming the absence of superstar Lionel Messi to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Tigres UANL. The win, powered by a heroic two-goal performance from striker Luis Suárez, sent Miami into the semifinals and proved the team can succeed even without its captain on the field.
Messi’s Absence Puts Miami to the Test
The biggest news ahead of the match was that Lionel Messi would not play, watching from the stands in street clothes. The decision came after Messi suffered a “minor” muscle injury in a Leagues Cup group game on August 2. Although he made a brief return against the LA Galaxy, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the captain was not 100% and would not be risked against Tigres. The team’s caution underscores the importance of his long-term health, but it left the squad with a major challenge.
Suárez Steps Up as a Hero
With Messi sidelined, veteran forward Luis Suárez took center stage. The Uruguayan proved to be the difference-maker, converting two crucial penalty kicks to secure the victory. The first penalty was awarded after a cross from Jordi Alba hit the arm of a Tigres defender in the box. Suárez confidently buried the shot. Tigres’ Ángel Correa later scored an equalizer, but Suárez would get another chance. In the final minutes of the game, a second handball was called against Tigres, and Suárez once again stepped up to the spot, calmly converting the game-winner to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
A Hard-Fought Victory for Inter Miami
The victory was far from easy. The Miami squad had to fight to secure their spot in the semifinals. In addition to Messi’s absence, the team lost veteran defender Jordi Alba to a leg injury during the first half. Adding to the drama, head coach Javier Mascherano was given a red card, forcing him to watch from the stands for the second half.
The win sets up a Leagues Cup semifinal clash against Florida rivals Orlando City, who defeated Toluca in their own quarterfinal match. Having won the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, Inter Miami is now just one step away from reaching the final and having a chance to defend their title.