A Quarterfinal Fight Between Two Giants
The 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals has delivered perhaps the most eagerly awaited match of the tournament—Inter Miami vs. Tigres UANL. The Herons will have Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul when they take on the Mexican team Tigres, featuring Angel Correa and Diego Lainez leading the attack.
This clash takes place on Thursday, 21st August 2025 (12.00 AM UTC), at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale. Fans will hope for spectacular entertainment as two teams of gun-slinging attacking prowess go head-to-head. For punters and fans of football, this is more than just a match. This is style versus style, MLS versus Liga MX.
Head-to-Head Record & Important Facts
- Only the 2nd meeting between the clubs, with Tigres winning the first match-up 2-1 at the 2024 Leagues Cup.
- Inter Miami's past 5 competitive games: Both teams scored, and there were over 2.5 goals in each game.
- Tigres' past 6 matches: All had 3+ goals, and 5 had goals at both ends.
- Tigres' second-half tendencies: 5 of Tigres' last 5 matches had more goals scored in the second half.
- Miami halftime tendencies: Of their last 6 matches, 5 were equal at the break.
- This suggests a high-scoring game, with each team likely to score in this head-to-head meeting.
Form Guide: Momentum for Miami vs. Firepower for Tigres
Inter Miami
The Herons are coming off a solid 3-1 win against LA Galaxy, with Messi back in scoring form. Since Mario Mascherano took over as head coach, the Herons have not lost more than 2 out of their past 11 matches across all competitions since their elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup.
Key points:
Messi is back from a minor injury and got back on the score sheet on his MLS return.
Rodrigo De Paul adds some balance in midfield alongside Sergio Busquets.
Miami has shown a tendency to give away a goal, conceding in 5 straight games.
Tigres UANL
Tigres can be unpredictable—one week destroying Puebla 7-0, the next they lose 3-1 to Club América. They have one of the most dangerous attacks in Mexico, led by Angel Correa (4 goals in Leagues Cup 2025).
Key points:
Scored 7 goals in the group stages, the most of Liga MX clubs.
Averaging 2.85 goals per game this season.
Defensive issues persist, conceding in 5 of their last 7 matches.
Tactical Battle: Messi & Suárez vs. Correa & Lainez
Inter Miami
- Inter Miami Attack: Messi and Suárez remain their priority while Allende is making runs with pace, and Alba provides width. It's also worth noting that the transitions for Miami are incisive, and so when at Chase, Miami likes to push high.
- Inter Miami Defense: Falcón and Avilés have been improving but often struggle against rapid counterattacks.
Tigres UANL
- Tigres Attack: Angel Correa is currently in sublime form, supported by Lainez’s creativity and Brunetta’s playmaking. I would expect they will target the fullbacks of Miami.
- Tigres' Defense: Tigres regularly get exposed in wide areas, especially against teams that utilize overlapping full-backs.
This should create an end-to-end battle.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami (4-3-3)
Ustari (GK); Weigandt, Falcón, Avilés, Alba; Busquets, De Paul, Segovia; Messi, Suárez, Allende.
Tigres UANL (4-1-4-1)
Guzmán (GK); Aquino, Purata, Rómulo, Garza; Gorriarán; Lainez, Correa, Brunetta, Herrera; Ibáñez.
Players to Watch
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Scored in his return match against LA Galaxy.
Hasn't scored in Leagues Cup 2025 yet—this just adds to Messi's motivation to score a goal.
Angel Correa (Tigres UANL)
4 goals in Leagues Cup 2025.
A player who knows when to time his runs into the box and is known for his finishing.
Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami)
Provides balance in midfield and adds tenacity to his game with his willingness to press and win the ball back.
Defines the link between the defense and attack.
Match Result
Pick: Inter Miami to Win
Miami is at home at Chase Stadium and will also come into the game among the favorites to win.
Over 2.5 Total Goals & Both Teams to Score
Both teams have been involved in plenty of high-scoring matches.
Correct Score Prediction
Inter Miami 3-2 Tigres UANL
Player Specials:
Messi to score anytime
Angel Correa to score anytime
Our Prediction: Inter Miami to Win in a Thriller
Inter Miami's attacking prowess at home with both Messi and Suárez is likely going to prove to be too much for Tigres, even including their own dangerous attack. Look for goals at both ends, but the Herons should be able to advance thanks to the support of their home fans.
- Final Prediction: Inter Miami 3-2 Tigres UANL
- Best Bets: Inter Miami to win | over 2.5 goals | Messi to score anytime
Current Odds from Stake.com
Final Predictions on the Match
The Leagues Cup quarterfinal between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL has all of the ingredients for a classic: superstar names, attacking football, and knockout drama. Although Tigres won their last meeting, Miami's form, firepower, and support at home should see them into the semi-finals.
