Inter Miami entered the quarterfinals after a strong run in the group stage, with two wins and a draw, and continued their momentum with a recent 3-1 win over LA Galaxy. Notably, Lionel Messi did not feature in the starting lineup against Tigres due to a minor muscle injury. The injury, which Messi sustained earlier in the tournament against Necaxa, has kept him out of several matches, though he returned as a substitute in the previous MLS fixture and contributed a goal and an assist.
This quarterfinal clash marked only the second meeting between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL, following their group stage encounter in the 2024 Leagues Cup, which Tigres won 2-1. Tigres entered this match in solid form, with recent victories over San Diego FC and Houston Dynamo, and attacker Ángel Correa as one of the tournament’s top scorers.
Statistically, the match was balanced, with possession nearly even—Inter Miami held 50.5% to Tigres’ 49.5%. Both teams had opportunities, with 10 shots on goal for Miami and 12 for Tigres, but neither side could break through after Suárez’s early penalty.
With this win, Inter Miami advances to face the winner of the Toluca-Orlando City quarterfinal in the Leagues Cup semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Seattle Sounders and Pachuca remain in contention. The Leagues Cup offers not just a trophy but also a place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup for the top three teams.
For more coverage, visit Miami vs. Tigres (Aug 20, 2025) Live Score and the official Inter Miami CF match preview for updates, stats, and highlights.