Lionel Messi is expected to return to the Inter Miami lineup for a critical knockout game against Tigres UANL in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
The Herons are hoping to exact revenge on their Liga MX adversaries for a 2-1 defeat in the group stage of last year's Leagues Cup.
Messi, however, did not play in that game, nor did new signing Rodrigo de Paul who has been exceptional since joining just a few weeks ago.
Inter Miami qualified for the knockout stage by finishing second in the MLS portion of the Leagues Cup table, while Tigres finished third in a tight standings. They and Puebla were the final qualifiers over Juarez, who agonizingly missed out on the wins tiebreaker after all three finished level on points.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
LIVE: Follow along with minute-by-minute updates and highlights from Inter Miami vs. Tigres
Inter Miami vs. Tigres lineups: Starting XI, team news, injuries
Inter Miami appeared to be fully fit squad for maybe the first time in Lionel Messi's entire Herons career...until the talisman went down. Again. Messi was not at Inter Miami training on Tuesday, which raised alarm bells, and Javier Mascherano confirmed that he felt "discomfort" and trained away from the group. He was not initially ruled out, but indeed does not appear in the matchday squad indicating he will miss the game.
The Argentine legend returned from a hamstring injury in their recent league win over the LA Galaxy, entering off the bench for the full second half, but maybe came back too soon. Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, and Fafa Picault should lead the line behind Luis Suarez.
Rodrigo de Paul also came off the bench in that Galaxy win, but should return to the lineup, replacing Benjamin Cremaschi who was chastised by head coach Javier Mascherano for comments to the media about his recent deployment.
Inter Miami starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ustari (GK) — Fray, Lujan, Falcon, Alba — De Paul, Busquets — Segovia, Allende, Bright — Suarez.
Inter Miami subs: Rios (GK), Yarbrough, Weigandt, Sailor, Aviles, Allen, D. Ruiz, Cremaschi, Rodriguez, Morales, Picault, Obando.
Injured: Messi (muscle).
Suspended: None.
MORE: A full look at the 2025 Leagues Cup bracket, schedule, fixtures, and results
Star winger Uriel Antuna has hardly played since the Apertura league season began, out with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined for this match as well.
Fellow Mexican international Jesus Angulo is expected to be back soon from his long-term knee injury over the summer, but it's likely still too soon for this game, and he will need a bit of ramp-up before he's fully match fit.
Andres-Pierre Gignac, now 39 years old and no longer an everyday starter, is left on the bench while Nicolas Ibanez gets the nod up front.
Tigres starting XI (4-5-1, right to left): Guzman (GK) — Aquino, Romulo, Purata, Garza — Lainez, Brunetta, Correa, Gorriaran, Herrera — Ibanez.
Tigres subs: Carrera (GK), C. Rodriguez (GK), Joaquim, Farfan, Guerrero, Parra, Pizzuto, Vigon, Cordova, I. Lopez, Flores, Gignac.
Injured: Antuna (knee, doubt), Angulo (knee, doubt), Parra (knock, doubt).
Suspended: None.
Inter Miami vs. Tigres match details
- Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Location: Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
- Last meeting: Tigres 2-1 Inter Miami (Aug. 3, 2024 | Leagues Cup)
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