On the night of August 20–21 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inter Miami booked their place in the semifinals of the Leagues Cup after defeating Mexican powerhouse Tigres 2–1. The spotlight of the evening shone on veteran striker Luis Suárez, who delivered a decisive performance in the absence of Lionel Messi, scoring both of his team’s goals from the penalty spot. The breakthrough came early in the first half when Suárez, showing his characteristic composure, stepped up to convert a penalty in the 23rd minute.
The strike gave Miami control of the match and set the tempo for what would be an intense quarterfinal clash. However, Tigres refused to go down quietly. In the 67th minute, Ángel Correa equalized for the visitors, putting pressure back on the home side and raising the stakes in front of a passionate Florida crowd. As the match edged toward extra time, Suárez once again shouldered responsibility. In the 89th minute, the Uruguayan legend confidently converted a second penalty, sealing the win and igniting celebrations among Miami supporters. With his double, Suárez not only carried Inter Miami to the next stage but also reminded the football world of his enduring quality at 38 years old.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this match was the absence of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s iconic captain. At 38, Messi remains the team’s central figure, both as a leader and as a creative force. Yet he was not included in the squad for this quarterfinal clash, leaving fans and analysts wondering how the side would cope without him.
For Miami, the game became a statement of resilience. Suárez’s leadership on the pitch compensated for Messi’s absence, proving that the team has depth and experienced players capable of carrying responsibility in high-pressure moments. Midfielders worked tirelessly to close down Tigres’ possession, while the defense remained focused against the Mexican side’s counterattacks.The victory showed that Inter Miami is not solely dependent on Messi’s brilliance.
Although his presence elevates the entire squad, the team demonstrated that it can compete — and win — in tough international fixtures even when their captain is missing. This balance will be vital as they continue their journey in the Leagues Cup.With the win secured, Inter Miami now awaits the result of the quarterfinal between Mexico’s Toluca and MLS side Orlando City. Both potential opponents present unique challenges. Toluca brings the intensity and unpredictability of Mexican football, while Orlando City represents a fierce domestic rival familiar with Miami’s style and strengths.
Whichever side emerges, Inter Miami will need to maintain discipline and sharpness to progress to the final. Suárez’s form offers encouragement — his ability to find goals in clutch moments is invaluable. Younger players, too, will gain confidence from this victory, knowing they played a role in advancing their team without Messi. For the fans, excitement is growing. Chase Stadium was electric during the quarterfinal, and anticipation will only intensify as the semifinals approach. Supporters hope that Messi will return for the next round, but even if he doesn’t, Suárez has shown that he is ready to carry the torch and keep Miami’s dreams alive.
Luis Suárez’s performance against Tigres was a reminder of the kind of player he has always been: relentless, fearless, and decisive. From Ajax to Liverpool, from Barcelona to Atlético Madrid, and now in Miami, Suárez has built a career defined by goals in the biggest moments. His brace against Tigres will now be remembered alongside the countless crucial strikes he delivered in Europe.
For Inter Miami, his presence is symbolic. The club, founded only a few years ago, is rapidly building a reputation as a team of legends and ambition. The arrival of Messi was the spark, but the continued influence of Suárez, Busquets, and Alba has transformed Miami into a global attraction. Matches are no longer just MLS fixtures; they are spectacles drawing worldwide audiences. This new identity — blending international stardom with American ambition — is giving Miami a unique place in modern football. They are not only a team but also a brand, capable of competing and inspiring, both on the field and beyond.
