The Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter in the Leagues Cup 2025 quarterfinals, Inter Miami defeated Tigres 2-1, advancing to the semifinals for the second time in their history. The match took place at the Chase Field without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s star player still recovering from a muscle injury. However, other European stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Rodrigo De Paul played crucial roles in securing the victory.
Penalty Drama
Tigres’ fate was sealed by two penalties conceded by Javier Aquino, who touched the ball with his hand inside the area. Aquino’s errors led to Luis Suárez converting both spot kicks, ensuring Inter Miami’s triumph. Tigres had managed to equalize through Ángel Correa’s goal at the 67th minute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit.
Team Standings and Economic Value
Both Inter Miami and Tigres are part of the top five most valuable team rosters in the Leagues Cup, according to Transfermarkt. Inter Miami ranks second with a team value of €82.18 million, while Tigres sits fifth with a value of €70.95 million.
- Inter Miami: The club’s high-profile signings, including Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Alba, and De Paul, have established them as the most valuable team in MLS. Their strategy of acquiring well-known international players has paid off, making them the clear leaders in team value within MLS.
- Tigres: In Liga MX, Tigres holds the fourth spot in terms of team value for the Apertura 2025 tournament, trailing behind América, Cruz Azul, and Toluca. Despite their strong roster, they have failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in previous Leagues Cup editions.
Player Value and Historical Signings
Three of the top ten most valuable players in this Leagues Cup hail from Inter Miami and Tigres: Rodrigo De Paul (€25 million) leads the list, followed by Lionel Messi (€18 million) from Inter Miami, and Ángel Correa (€10 million) from Tigres.
Inter Miami’s signing strategy has focused on acquiring high-profile players either for free or on loan, such as Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Alba, and De Paul. Meanwhile, Tigres’ most expensive signing in history is Fernando Gorriarán, who joined for €12.2 million in 2022, ranking fifth among the highest transfers for Liga MX according to Transfermarkt.
Branding and Sponsorships
Both teams wear Adidas uniforms, reflecting the global brand’s dominance in sports apparel. However, Inter Miami boasts seven sponsors, while Tigres features over thirty brands on their official website, highlighting the Mexican club’s extensive commercial partnerships.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami will aim to recover Lionel Messi for the semifinals, where they will face the winner between Toluca and Orlando City. The semifinals are scheduled for August 26-27, promising an exciting continuation of this top-heavy economic clash between these formidable teams.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won the match? Inter Miami defeated Tigres 2-1.
- Why was the match significant? Both teams boasted some of the most valuable rosters in the Leagues Cup, with Inter Miami leading MLS and Tigres ranking highly in Liga MX.
- Who scored the winning goals for Inter Miami? Luis Suárez converted two penalties awarded after Javier Aquino’s handballs.
- What is the significance of team values? High team values often reflect a club’s ability to attract top international talent, as demonstrated by Inter Miami and Tigres.
- What are some notable player signings for each team? Inter Miami has signed Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Alba, and De Paul, while Tigres’ most expensive signing is Fernando Gorriarán.
- What are the upcoming semifinal matchups? Inter Miami will face the winner of the Toluca vs. Orlando City series.
