Inter Miami overcame the absence of Lionel Messi on Wednesday night as Luis Suarez scored twice from the penalty spot to hand the Major League Soccer side a 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.
Messi, sidelined again due to a lingering muscle issue picked up earlier this month, was ruled out after making a brief return in Saturday’s 3-1 win over LA Galaxy. With the World Cup winner unavailable, the responsibility fell on his longtime Barcelona teammate, Suarez, who delivered with clinical precision.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Tigres captain Javier Aquino blocked a cross with his arm inside the penalty area. Suarez stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to give Miami the lead.
The first half ended in controversy as Inter coach Javier Mascherano was shown a red card for heated protests over extended stoppage time, forcing him to watch the remainder of the game from the stands.
Tigres fought back in the second half, equalizing in the 67th minute through Angel Correa, who slipped between Miami’s defense before finishing past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
But Miami’s fortunes swung back late in the match when Aquino conceded another penalty for a second handball offense, confirmed after a VAR review. Suarez calmly slotted his second of the night in the 87th minute, sending goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman the wrong way to secure Miami’s passage to the semi-finals.
“It was a very tough match because Tigres played really well,” Suarez said afterward. “Every day I try to give my best to help the team win.”
Inter Miami will now face local rivals Orlando City in the semi-final after Orlando eliminated Toluca FC in a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese starred by saving two penalties and scoring the decisive kick in the 6-5 win following a goalless draw.
For Miami, the semi-final offers not only a chance to reclaim the Leagues Cup title they won in Messi’s debut season last year but also an opportunity to secure qualification for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The tournament grants automatic entry to its champion, while both finalists and the third-place team also earn spots in the continental competition.
