Aug 20, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Tigres UANL during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Luis Suarez Steps Up in Messi’s Absence To Lead Inter Miami Past Tigres, Into Leagues Cup Semis

Luis Suarez delivered when Inter Miami needed him most, scoring twice from the penalty spot to fire his side past Tigres UANL 2-1 in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday night. With Lionel Messi sidelined due to a minor muscle issue, all eyes were on Suarez.

The veteran Uruguayan striker did not disappoint, keeping alive Miami’s hopes of reclaiming the Leagues Cup title they won in 2023. In a tense, scrappy affair with few clear chances, Suarez’s composure from the spot proved decisive. Meanwhile, tempers flared both on and off the pitch as Miami battled their way into the last four.

WE ARE IN THE LEAGUES CUP SEMIFINALS ✨ VAMOS MIAMI 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/AJp2AHeWe3
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 21, 2025

Luis Suarez’s Brace Leads Inter Miami Into Leagues Cup Semis

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Jordi Alba’s cross struck the arm of Tigres defender Javier Aquino. The referee pointed to the spot, and Suarez stepped up to convert calmly, putting Miami ahead. Tigres responded after half-time, with Ángel Correa slicing through the Herons’ back line to level the match in the 67th minute.

Drama continued as Inter coach Javier Mascherano was shown a red card at half-time for dissent after protesting a decision. Forced to watch from the stands, the Argentine manager still tried to instruct play and was spotted using a phone to pass instructions, breaching the competition rules.

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The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute. Another Aquino handball, confirmed by VAR, handed Miami their second penalty. Suarez, cool as ever, went the opposite way to goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán to restore the lead. Tigres almost equalized again when Edgar López’s header hit both posts before bouncing out, but Miami survived the scare.

Tempers threatened to boil over late on, with Suarez stepping in to calm down teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Tigres midfielder Fernando Gorriarán as tensions escalated. The 38-year-old’s leadership proved just as crucial in the match as his goals.

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With the victory, Miami not only advance to the semifinals but also move a step closer to securing a spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup. Both Leagues Cup finalists and the third-place side will qualify, with the eventual champion earning direct entry into the round of 16.

🎙️ @LuisSuarez9 👏🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/JMmRaV081Z
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 21, 2025

Inter Miami

Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL

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Lionel Messi

Luis Suarez

Tigres UANL

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.