Luis Suárez scored a penalty in each half to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL on Wednesday, securing a place in the Leagues Cup semi-finals in the absence of Lionel Messi.
Messi, sidelined with a minor muscle injury since August 2, had made a brief return in Miami’s 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on Saturday, scoring off the bench. However, the 38-year-old World Cup winner was ruled out again for the quarter-final clash as a precaution.
“We rely on how Leo feels, and it wasn’t the best,” said Inter assistant coach Javier Morales. “We preferred not to take risks or set back his recovery.”
In a tightly contested match with limited chances, veteran Uruguayan striker Suárez made the difference.
Match Summary: Suarez the Decisive Factor
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Javier Aquino’s handball in the box gave Miami a penalty, which Suárez calmly converted. Tensions rose shortly after, with Suárez stepping in to defuse a heated exchange between teammate Rodrigo De Paul and Tigres’ Fernando Gorriarán. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was shown a red card at halftime for protesting the prolonged stoppage time.
From the stands, Mascherano watched as Tigres leveled the match in the 67th minute. Ángel Correa slipped between defenders and slotted home past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
However, another handball by Aquino in the 87th minute—confirmed by VAR—handed Miami a second penalty. Suárez once again delivered, sending goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán the wrong way.
“The game was really difficult because they played very well,” Suárez said. “Every day I just try my best to help the team win.”
What’s Next
Inter Miami will now face Orlando City in the semi-finals. Orlando defeated Liga MX champions Toluca FC 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Carson, California. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese emerged as the hero, saving two penalties and scoring the winning spot kick himself.
Orlando previously beat Inter Miami 4-1 earlier this month—another match Messi missed.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Los Angeles Galaxy hosted Pachuca, while Seattle Sounders took on Puebla.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the Leagues Cup trophy, the tournament offers significant rewards. Both finalists, along with the third-place winner, will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the Leagues Cup champion earning direct entry into the Round of 16.
