Luis Suárez rose to the occasion in Lionel Messi’s absence, scoring two penalties to secure Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-final at Chase Stadium.
Messi, sidelined with a minor muscle issue since August 2, had returned briefly against LA Galaxy last weekend but was ruled out again for this clash. Assistant coach Javier Morales confirmed the team did not want to risk aggravating his injury.
“We rely on how Leo feels and it wasn’t the best,” Morales explained. “We preferred not to take risks, not to go backward in his recovery.”
With few clear chances for either side, Suárez made the difference. The veteran Uruguayan opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Tigres defender Javier Aquino conceded a handball in the box. Suárez calmly converted from the spot.
Tensions escalated just before halftime, leading to head coach Javier Mascherano receiving a red card for protesting stoppage time decisions. From the stands, he watched Tigres equalize in the 67th minute when Ángel Correa slipped through Miami’s defense and finished past goalkeeper Óscar Ustari.
However, Suárez struck again in the 87th minute after another Aquino handball was confirmed by VAR. This time, the striker sent Nahuel Guzmán the wrong way to seal Miami’s place in the semi-finals.
“The game was really difficult because they played very well,” Suárez said. “Every day I just try my best to help the team win.”
Inter Miami will now face Florida rivals Orlando City, who edged past Toluca 6-5 on penalties thanks to heroics from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who not only saved two spot kicks but also scored the winning penalty.
Orlando recently defeated Miami 4-1 in MLS play, a match Messi also missed.
Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, LA Galaxy hosted Pachuca, while Seattle Sounders battled Puebla, with more than just the trophy at stake. Both finalists and the third-place team will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the Leagues Cup champion earning a direct place in the round of 16.
