Inter Miami into Leagues Cup semis with Suarez penalties, Messi absent

Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL, despite fielding a team without Lionel Messi and enduring a red card for head coach Javier Mascherano as the match neared halftime. Luis Suárez converted a pair of penalties, including the decisive spot-kick in the 89th minute, to secure the win and set up a Florida derby date with Orlando City in the next round.

The match unfolded at Chase Stadium with Miami pressing through a defensively minded approach in Messi’s absence. Tigres drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Suárez converted a penalty following a cross that struck Javier Aquino’s arm, but the momentary lead lasted only until the break. Angel Correa leveled for the visitors in the 67th minute, but Miami regained the advantage through a second penalty awarded after a handball on Aquino in the box. Suárez again dispatched from the spot in the 89th minute, leaving Tigres’ late efforts to test Oscar Ustari unanswered as the clock expired and the home side held on.

Miami was left to navigate the game without Messi, who sat out as a precaution after a muscle issue carried over from earlier in the Leagues Cup. He had only recently...