This Wednesday, Inter Miami faced one of their biggest challenges of the 2025 season: a Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash against Tigres UANL—and they did it without Lionel Messi. Even so, the absence of their biggest star didn’t stop them from earning a 2–1 win and booking a place in the next round.
Without Messi, head coach Javier Mascherano chose to add a more defensive-minded midfielder in Yannick Bright, allowing Rodrigo De Paul to take on a more advanced role and shoulder the creative responsibility in Leo’s absence.
That approach paid off—especially in the first half. The Herons clearly outplayed their opponents during that stretch and opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Referee Escobar awarded a penalty after a handball by Javier Aquino, and Luis Suarez calmly converted it with a precise right-footed strike.
After the break, Tigres found more ways to control possession and created several clear chances to equalize. Sergio Busquets came up with a crucial clearance to preserve Inter Miami’s lead, and the Herons also got a bit of luck when Diego Lainez’s shot hit the post. Eventually, though, Angel Correa scored the equalizer.
Just as it seemed the match was headed to penalties, another handball by Aquino inside the box—confirmed by VAR—led to a second penalty. Suarez stepped up once again and sealed the 2–1 win.
When will Inter Miami play the Leagues Cup semifinals?
The 2–1 win over Tigres secured Inter Miami a place in the Leagues Cup semifinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Orlando City and Toluca. If the MLS side advances, it would set up a tense Florida derby rematch—just weeks after Orlando City defeated the Herons 4–1 in league play.
Whether the opponent is Orlando City or Liga MX’s Toluca, the Herons know the semifinal is fast approaching. According to the Leagues Cup schedule, both semifinal games will be played next week—on Tuesday, August 26, or Wednesday, August 27. The other semifinal will feature the winners of Seattle Sounders vs. Puebla and LA Galaxy vs. Pachuca.
Will Messi be available for the Leagues Cup semifinals?
After contributing a goal and an assist in the 45 minutes he played against LA Galaxy in MLS action last Saturday, Lionel Messi suffered a physical setback earlier this week. As was the case earlier this month, he was ruled out of the squad for Wednesday’s match against Tigres.
However, it doesn’t appear to be a serious issue or a significant injury. In fact, coach Mascherano had even considered including him for the Tigres match. Given that, it’s possible Messi could recover in time to at least be available off the bench for the Leagues Cup semifinal.
Still, before turning their full focus to next week’s high-stakes semifinal, Inter Miami face another important test. On Saturday night, they’ll visit DC United at Audi Field for Matchday 30 of Major League Soccer.