When Inter Miami faced Tigres UANL in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals on August 20, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the stage was set for a classic showdown. An intense encounter unfolded—despite the absence of their global superstar, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami emerged victorious in dramatic fashion, winning 2-1 and booking a semifinal date with Orlando City. Let’s unpack one of the tournament’s most compelling matches yet.
Messi Sidelined: No Captain, No Problem
The game began under a cloud of uncertainty. Lionel Messi, the heart and soul of the Herons, was ruled out due to an ongoing “minor” muscular injury that had troubled him since early August. He had seen action against LA Galaxy just days earlier—coming on as a substitute to score and assist—but Miami opted not to risk further aggravation ahead of this key cup tie
His absence cast doubt over Miami’s ability to shine on the big stage. But as the old adage goes: in adversity lies opportunity.
Suarez to the Rescue: Two Penalties, One Hero
Enter—Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan veteran, ever the reliable finisher, stepped up in Messi’s stead. The first penalty came in the 23rd minute after a handball by Tigres’ Javier Aquino inside the box. Suárez confidently converted to give Miami a deserved lead
Tigres responded in kind. Ángel Correa equalized in the 67th with a composed finish But the match’s crescendo came deep into stoppage time: Aquino was penalized again for handling in the area. Suárez remained ice-cold and buried the 89th-minute spot kick for the winner, giving Miami a 2-1 edge
Controversy from the Sidelines: Mascherano’s Red Card
The wildness didn’t end on the pitch. Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano was shown a red card at halftime—reportedly after an impassioned protest over added time in the first half. Remarkably, the former Argentina stalwart continued to direct his team via mobile phone from the stands, defying rules forbidding communication post-dismissal
This surreal scenario—coach orchestrating moves from the VIP box—added layers of theatrical intrigue to what was already a trending match.
Tigres’ Near-Miracle and Miami’s Defensive Resilience
Even with the valiant effort from Suárez, Tigres nearly forced extra time. In stoppage, their forward Iván López powered a header that rattled both posts—but the ball never crossed the line, denying them an equalizer
Miami’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, also held firm. Ustari pulled off a crucial save in the 75th to deny Correa another clear chance to draw level
What This Means: Miami to Face Orlando
The 2-1 win means Inter Miami advances to the Leagues Cup semifinals, where they’ll host Orlando City—already familiar adversaries who’ve handed Miami two regular-season defeats by a combined 7-1
With the tournament’s revamped format contributing to a goals-per-game average of 3.37 and soaring viewership—up 62% compared to 2024—every match feels magnified
Summary Table
| Key Element | Highlights |
| Messi | Absent due to muscle injury; traded his presence for strategic caution. |
| Luis Suárez | Delivered twice from the spot—early opener and late winner. |
| Tigres | Equalized through Correa; came agonizingly close to tying again. |
| Mascherano | Sent off at halftime; managed via phone from stands in defiance. |
| Next Up | Semifinal clash vs. Orlando City—revenge narrative brewing. |
| Tournament Context | Leagues Cup’s excitement is soaring thanks to format tweaks and superstar drama. |
Final Thoughts
Despite not having their talisman, Inter Miami found a way forward. Suárez played the protagonist: clinical under pressure and unfazed by the occasion. Tigres, for their part, showed grit but lacked the final touch when it mattered most.
Mascherano’s send-off and subsequent mobile stand-side management provided a bizarre subplot, underscoring how high the stakes were for both teams.
As Miami prepares for a Florida derby semifinal against Orlando City, this game will be remembered as a clash defined by redemption, controversy, and sheer willpower. A reminder that in soccer, legends can be made—and perhaps continue being written—even in the most unexpected circumstances.
