Miami, August 21 (HS): Inter Miami marched into the Leagues Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL, thanks to a vintage performance from their 38-year-old striker Luis Suárez, who converted two penalties in the absence of Lionel Messi.

With Messi sidelined due to a muscle strain, Suárez stepped up as Miami’s talisman. The Uruguayan forward coolly struck from the spot in both halves, ensuring his team’s progress despite stiff resistance from the Mexican giants.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Tigres defender Javier Aquino was punished for a handball, and Suárez slotted home the resulting penalty. Tensions flared soon after, but the veteran striker calmed his teammates, keeping focus on the game.

Drama continued at halftime as Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was shown a red card following an argument with the referee.

Tigres clawed back into the contest in the 67th minute through Ángel Correa, who danced past two defenders before firing into the net to level the score. But in the dying moments (87th minute), Aquino handled the ball once again, gifting Miami another penalty. Suárez calmly sent goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán the wrong way to seal the win.

Inter Miami, who lifted the Leagues Cup in 2023 during Messi’s debut MLS season, are now edging closer to reclaiming the title.

Elsewhere in the quarterfinal stage, Toluca face Orlando City, LA Galaxy clash with Pachuca, and Seattle Sounders take on Puebla.

Beyond the trophy, the stakes are high—the two finalists and the third-place team qualify for the prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the Leagues Cup champions earning a direct spot in the Round of 16.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar