Goals: Suarez 23, 89 - Correa 67

Suarez's two goals followed the same pattern. In the 23rd minute, defender Javier Aquino handled the ball in the penalty area, giving Inter Miami a penalty kick. Suarez's powerful shot to the right, although the Tigres UANL goalkeeper guessed correctly, found the back of the net, opening the scoring.

Lionel Messi (center) with Rodrigo De Paul (left) and Luis Suarez at the stadium before the match. Photo: MLS

In the second half, Messi's Argentina teammate, Angel Correa, equalized for Tigres UANL. In the 89th minute, Inter Miami were awarded another penalty for handball in the box. Suarez again shot to the right, completing his brace and securing the win.

Lionel Messi (center) with Rodrigo De Paul (left) and Luis Suarez at the stadium before the match. Photo: MLS

The 2025 Leagues Cup features 36 teams: 18 from the MLS (US and Canada) and 18 from Liga MX (Mexico). Each team plays three matches against opponents from the other league.

Instead of fixed groups, the tournament is divided into two aggregate tables – one for MLS clubs and one for Liga MX clubs. After three group stage matches, the top four teams in each table advance to the quarterfinals. Inter Miami currently leads the MLS table with five points.

In 2023, Inter Miami won their first Leagues Cup title, which was also Messi's first trophy in the US. They failed to defend their title, losing to Columbus Crew in the round of 16 in 2024.

Hong Duy