With the Leagues Cup progressing to its quarterfinal stage, the victor of the anticipated match between Inter Miami and Tigres is widely considered a strong contender to claim the championship title. Even though Lionel Messi missed some group stage matches due to an injury, Inter Miami, known as the Herons, secured second place, trailing only the Seattle Sounders. While Tigres experienced a defeat in their final group game, their formidable attacker, Angel Correa, has established himself as the most potent offensive threat in the competition.
Angel Correa, currently tied with Joao Fernandes for the Golden Boot, alongside Juan Brunetta, has been instrumental in Tigres` impressive run, reflecting the team`s recent resurgence. As veteran striker Andre-Pierre Gignac`s influence wanes with age, Tigres sought a new game-changer. Correa, arriving from Atletico Madrid, has filled this void perfectly. However, the upcoming encounter with Inter Miami represents a critical juncture in his time with the club.
Match Details: Inter Miami vs. Tigres
- Date: Wednesday, August 20
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass
- Betting Odds: Inter Miami +125; Draw +300; Tigres +170
Inter Miami significantly bolstered their already formidable squad by acquiring Rodrigo De Paul. De Paul swiftly made an impact, contributing a goal and three assists, thereby enhancing the team`s creative prowess alongside Messi. His defensive contributions and relentless work rate alongside Sergio Busquets are particularly noteworthy, making any offensive output an exceptional bonus.
This highly anticipated confrontation between the star-laden Miami team and a resurgent Tigres squad perfectly encapsulates the excitement and quality the expanded Leagues Cup offers. Following its 2023 expansion to include all Liga MX teams, the quarterfinals feature compelling matchups like LA Galaxy against Pachuca, but the Inter Miami versus Tigres fixture stands out as the marquee event.
Both teams boast a wealth of European talent, reflecting their aspirations for dominance in their respective leagues, yet only one will progress. Lionel Messi, despite his reputation, has not yet scored in the Leagues Cup. For Inter Miami to overcome Correa and the Tigres, Messi`s scoring touch will be crucial. These two teams share a recent history, with Tigres having defeated Miami in the previous Leagues Cup season, a win achieved against a less potent Miami lineup. No Mexican side has ever won this tournament, a historical achievement Tigres is determined to claim. A victory against Miami would undoubtedly pave a clearer path toward this historic triumph.
