Luis Suarez scored two penalties – one in each half – to help Inter Miami beat Tigres UANL 2-1 on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup quarter-final.
Lionel Messi did not play due to a small muscle injury. He had returned last weekend after two weeks out and scored in a 3-1 win against LA Galaxy. But for this match, Miami decided not to risk him.
“We rely on how Leo feels, and it wasn’t the best,” said Inter assistant coach Javier Morales. “We didn’t want to risk going backwards in his recovery.”
With few clear chances in the match, Suarez, the experienced Uruguayan striker, made the difference and kept Inter’s hopes alive of winning the Leagues Cup again, which they last won in 2023.
The first goal came in the 20th minute when Tigres defender Javier Aquino handled the ball in the box. Suarez calmly scored from the penalty spot.
Tensions rose soon after, with Suarez stepping in to calm down his teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who had words with fellow Uruguayan Fernando Gorriaran.
At half-time, Inter coach Javier Mascherano was sent off after arguing with the officials over added time.
He had to watch from the stands as Tigres equalised in the 67th minute. Angel Correa slipped through two defenders and scored past Miami keeper Oscar Ustari.
But in the 87th minute, another handball by Aquino – confirmed by VAR – gave Suarez a second chance from the spot. He scored again, this time sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
“It was a tough game because they played very well,” Suarez said. “I just try every day to help the team win.”
Miami will now face their Florida rivals Orlando City in the semi-finals. Orlando reached the next round after beating Toluca FC 6-5 on penalties, following a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was the hero – saving two penalties and scoring the winning one himself.
Orlando had already beaten Miami 4-1 earlier this month in an MLS game when Messi didn’t play.
In the other quarter-final matches on Wednesday, LA Galaxy played Pachuca, while Seattle Sounders hosted Puebla.
There’s more than just the trophy on the line – the top three teams from the Leagues Cup will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the winner will go straight into the round of 16.