Mascherano’s Red Card, Suárez’s Brace Sends Messi-less Miami to the Semifinals

Inter Miami’s biggest star, Lionel Messi, was in the stands. Injured, he once again could not take the field. The team had already lost much of its strength without him, and in the middle of the match they also lost coach Javier Mascherano. Even so, Miami’s victory did not stop. The savior was Luis Suárez. His two goals gave Miami a dramatic 2-1 win over Tigres, sending them into the Leagues Cup semifinals.

Uruguayan star Luis Suárez scored both goals, each from the penalty spot. In the 23rd minute, Miami won a penalty after a handball, which Suárez converted. In the 89th minute, he struck again from another penalty to seal the win.

Near the end of the first half, coach Mascherano argued with the referee and was shown a red card. With Mascherano sent off, assistant coach Leandro Stillitano managed the team in the second half.

Without Messi and without their coach, Miami conceded their lead in the second half. Tigres equalized through Argentine forward Ángel Correa. But in the dying moments, Suárez once again stepped up to secure victory. In stoppage time, Tigres’ Edgar López had a huge chance to equalize. His shot first hit one post, then the other, and bounced back out.

During the match, another Miami veteran, Jordi Alba, picked up an injury and had to be substituted. Messi appeared worried in the stands, his concerned expression making that clear. But after Suárez led the team to victory, a smile finally returned to his face.

With this win, Miami will face Orlando City in the semifinals. Just two weeks ago in a league match, Miami had suffered a 4-1 defeat to Orlando. This time, Messi and Mascherano’s side will have a chance at revenge.