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Luis Suárez scores twice from the spot as Messi sits out, Mascherano gets sent off, and Inter Miami edge Tigres in a chaotic Leagues Cup quarterfinal.
Inter Miami survived a chaotic quarterfinal against Tigres — playing without Lionel Messi, enduring injuries and a red card for coach Javier Mascherano — before Luis Suárez’s late penalty secured a dramatic 2–1 victory and a place in the Leagues Cup semifinals against Orlando City.
Messi’s Absence, Miami March On
There was immediate buzz before kickoff when Lionel Messi arrived at the stadium alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez — but notably not in training gear and absent from the squad.
That meant Miami would once again be tested without their talisman. Since Messi’s arrival in July 2023, Miami have played 104 games, with the Argentine featuring in 71 and missing 33. In those 33 matches, the Herons have managed 17 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses, a win rate of just over 51%.
The question was simple: Could they get it done without him again?
First-Half Drama: Suárez Steps Up, Tempers Flare
Miami found an early breakthrough in the 22nd minute when Luis Suárez calmly converted from the spot after clever buildup play. But despite the advantage, the first half was anything but smooth. Watch Video
Allende struggled once more, frustrating fans with a disjointed display.
Rodrigo De Paul clashed with Fernando Gorriarán in a heated exchange as players headed to the tunnel. Watch Video
Injury scares to both De Paul and Jordi Alba left Mascherano visibly concerned about his already thin squad.
At halftime, Miami led 1–0, but the real chaos was about to unfold.
Second-Half Chaos: Mascherano Sent Off, Alba Injured
The break brought controversy when Mascherano was sent off for protesting added time, forced to coach from the stands. In surreal scenes, the Argentine was later spotted calling down instructions on his phone, a moment quickly going viral online.
To make matters worse, Jordi Alba was forced off with an injury, though early signs suggest it may be minor. Still, with depth already a concern, it added another layer of tension to Miami’s night.
Tigres Strike Back, Suárez Rescues Miami Again
The momentum shifted in the 67th minute after a defensive error from Gonzalo Luján gifted Tigres’ Ángel Correa the equalizer. From there, Tigres pushed hard, sensing Miami’s vulnerability.
But just when it seemed penalties might decide the night, Miami turned to their other superstar. In the 89th minute, Rodrigo De Paul drew a foul in the box, and Suárez once again delivered from the spot with ice in his veins.
The late drama didn’t end there: Tigres nearly equalized in stoppage time when a header from López rattled both posts and rolled along the line, somehow staying out. Miami survived, and the final whistle sparked huge celebrations.
What’s Next: Florida Derby in the Semifinals
With the win, Inter Miami advance to the Leagues Cup semifinals, where they will host rivals Orlando City in a mouthwatering Florida Derby.
The night also left plenty of storylines: Messi’s absence, Mascherano’s phone-call coaching cameo, Alba’s injury, and Suárez’s clutch double. One thing is certain — this Miami team knows how to live on the edge.
