Inter Miami secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup 2025 quarterfinals at Chase Stadium on August 20, 2025, advancing to the semifinals despite playing without injured superstar Lionel Messi. Luis Suarez emerged as the hero with two penalty kicks in the 23rd and 89th minutes, overcoming Angel Correa’s 67th-minute equalizer for the Mexican side. The match attracted 18,597 fans to Fort Lauderdale and featured controversial officiating decisions that dominated the narrative, with both penalty awards sparking debate about the referee’s influence on the outcome.
Tigres controlled possession throughout the match with 59.7 percent compared to Miami’s 40.3 percent, but Inter Miami proved far more clinical in converting their limited opportunities. The opening goal arrived in the 23rd minute when a low cross from Jordi Alba struck the arm of Tigres defender Javier Aquino inside the penalty area, prompting referee Mario Escobar to award a penalty kick. Luis Suarez stepped up and converted with a powerful right-footed shot past goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman for his second goal of the tournament. Despite dominating the ball, Tigres struggled to create clear chances in the opening period, with Diego Lainez’s speculative effort from distance their only notable attempt before halftime.
Just before the interval, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino received a red card for protesting decisions made by the match officials. The experienced Argentine manager was sent to the stands, forcing assistant coach Javi Morales to take over touchline duties for the remainder of the match. The incident reflected the growing frustration on Miami’s bench regarding several contentious refereeing calls, though the team maintained their discipline on the pitch despite their manager’s absence.
The second half saw Tigres push forward with greater urgency after a disappointing opening period. Diego Lainez rattled the outside of the post with a powerful long-range strike early in the half, signaling the Mexican side’s increased attacking intent. Their pressure paid dividends in the 67th minute when Angel Correa beat Miami defender Gonzalo Lujan before his low shot found its way past goalkeeper Drake Callender to level the score at 1-1. The goal rewarded Tigres’ territorial dominance and set up a tense final 23 minutes with both teams pushing for the winner.
Miami’s defensive struggles continued when experienced left back Jordi Alba was forced off with a lower-leg injury, replaced by Noah Allen. Callender preserved the tie with a crucial save in the 75th minute, denying Correa’s powerful effort from inside the box. Edgar Lopez nearly completed Tigres’ comeback when his header struck both posts before bouncing clear, a dramatic moment that would have given the visitors the lead with time running out.
The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when another handball decision against Javier Aquino gave Inter Miami their second penalty of the evening. Suarez confidently converted from the spot for his brace, securing his third Leagues Cup goal of the tournament and fourth goal across his last four appearances. The statistics reflected Miami’s efficiency over Tigres’ dominance, with Miami recording 14 total shots and four on target compared to Tigres’ 13 shots and two on target. The expected goals tally heavily favored Miami at 2.24 xG to Tigres’ 0.78 xG, though this significant gap was largely influenced by the two penalty kicks. The victory extended Miami’s impressive home form to eight matches unbeaten and four consecutive wins at Chase Stadium, demonstrating their ability to secure results even without Messi and while managing key injuries during crucial moments.