Suárez Strikes Twice as Messi Watches from the Stands

With Lionel Messi sidelined by a muscle injury, Luis Suárez stepped up in spectacular fashion to lead Inter Miami to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL, securing a spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals. The Uruguayan striker converted two penalties one early in the match and another in the dying minutes to seal the win in front of a roaring home crowd at Chase Stadium.

The first breakthrough came in the 23rd minute after a Tigres defender handled the ball inside the box. Suárez coolly slotted home the penalty, giving Miami the lead. But the match was far from smooth sailing. Jordi Alba limped off with a leg injury following a collision, and head coach Javier Mascherano was shown a red card before the second half began, forcing him to manage the rest of the game from the stands via phone.

Tigres clawed back in the 67th minute through Ángel Correa, whose low strike beat Miami’s veteran goalkeeper. With the score level and tension rising, Miami found salvation once again from the spot. In the 89th minute, Suárez buried his second penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way and the Herons into the final four.