Suarez Leads Inter Miami 2-1 Past Tigres Without Messi/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Inter Miami edged out Tigres UANL 2-1 in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals behind two penalty goals from Luis Suarez, overcoming the absence of Lionel Messi. Messi was held out due to feeling unwell, while assistant coach Javier Morales cited caution. The win was marred by Jordi Alba’s injury and a red card to Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami vs Tigres Leagues Cup Quick Looks
- Luis Suarez scores twice from the penalty spot in Messi’s absence.
- Inter Miami defeats Tigres UANL 2-1 in Leagues Cup quarterfinal.
- Lionel Messi sat out the match due to precautionary rest.
- Tigres’ Ángel Correa scores the equalizer in first half.
- Tigres defender Aquino concedes both penalties with handballs.
- Mascherano receives red card and allegedly gave remote instructions.
- Jordi Alba leaves with a lower leg injury early in second half.
- Miami advances to Leagues Cup semifinals with gritty win.
Deep Look: Suarez Shines as Inter Miami Tops Tigres Without Messi in Leagues Cup Quarterfinal
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — With Lionel Messi sidelined, it was Luis Suarez who stepped up under the spotlight, scoring twice on penalties to lead Inter Miami to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday night.
Messi, who dazzled fans in Inter Miami’s previous match against LA Galaxy, did not participate in training before the game and was held out as a precaution.
“We all rely on how Messi feels,” explained assistant coach Javier Morales. “Today, Javier [Mascherano] spoke with him, and he wasn’t feeling the best. We chose not to risk him.”
Though Miami lacked the magic of their Argentine superstar, they found grit and finishing power through Suarez, who converted two penalties, both resulting from handballs by Tigres defender Javier Aquino.
How It Happened: Drama from the Start
Inter Miami took the lead in the first half after Jordi Alba’s cross struck Aquino’s arm, earning a penalty. Suarez confidently buried the shot to put Miami ahead. However, Tigres responded quickly with a brilliant individual goal by Ángel Correa, who sliced through the Miami backline to level the score.
As the intensity rose, Aquino found himself again in the center of controversy when the ball hit his arm in the box for a second time. The referee didn’t hesitate — penalty number two. Once more, Suarez sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore Miami’s lead.
Tigres nearly equalized in the dying moments when Edgar Lopez’s header bounced off both posts, leaving the stadium gasping as Inter Miami held on to advance.
Controversy: Mascherano’s Red Card and Remote Coaching
In a strange turn of events, assistant coach Javier Mascherano received a red card during halftime — reportedly for dissent. But the controversy didn’t end there.
Cameras later appeared to show Mascherano on the phone, giving instructions to the bench — a violation of Leagues Cup rules, which prohibit contact after expulsion.
“There was a lot happening on the bench. Honestly, I didn’t see everything,” said Morales when pressed about the incident. “We were mainly complaining about the stoppage time. They said four minutes, but we played nearly six.”
The sideline confusion added to an already high-stakes and emotionally charged match.
Injury Watch: Jordi Alba Hurt in Collision
Inter Miami’s depth was tested further when veteran defender Jordi Alba exited early in the second half after picking up an apparent knee injury late in the first.
“We don’t have the full medical report yet,” Morales noted. “But from what I understand, he took a knock to the knee. We’ll monitor him closely.”
Alba’s absence, combined with Messi’s, raised questions about Miami’s ability to maintain momentum deep into the tournament. Yet the team showed resilience against a top Liga MX opponent.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
With this win, Inter Miami advances to the Leagues Cup semifinals, edging closer to their first major tournament final since Messi’s arrival.
Despite being without their talismanic leader, the club displayed tactical discipline, mental strength, and confidence in its attacking options — particularly in Suarez, whose performance proved he’s still capable of rising to the occasion.
Miami’s next opponent will be determined following the completion of the other quarterfinals, but expectations remain high as the club continues its historic Leagues Cup run.
As Messi recovers and Alba undergoes evaluation, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on Inter Miami’s health and focus heading into the final stretch.
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