The Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash between Inter Miami and Tigres UANL on August 20, 2025, has sparked a frenzy among Pakistani soccer fans, driven by the global allure of Lionel Messi and the high-stakes matchup at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Messi’s Absence Fuels Debate
Inter Miami faced Tigres UANL without their star player, Lionel Messi, who was sidelined by a nagging hamstring injury sustained earlier in the tournament against Necaxa and aggravated in a match against LA Galaxy on August 16. Despite hopes of his return after scoring a stunning goal against Galaxy, Messi was absent from the starting lineup and bench, as confirmed by Inter Miami’s official X post. Pakistani fans, active on platforms like X, expressed disappointment but rallied behind Inter Miami’s other stars, including Luis Suárez, who scored an early penalty in the 23rd minute to give the Herons a 1-0 lead.
Star-Powered Showdown
The match pitted MLS’s Inter Miami, coached by Javier Mascherano, against Liga MX’s Tigres UANL, led by Guido Pizarro. Tigres’ attack was spearheaded by Ángel Correa, a 2022 World Cup winner alongside Messi, who has scored four goals in the tournament, tying for the Golden Boot. Inter Miami relied on players like Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to fill the void left by Messi. The game, streamed live on Apple TV and FS1, saw early action with Suárez’s penalty and a physical battle, including a booking for Tigres’ Telasco Segovia just four minutes in. Pakistani fans followed the live updates closely, drawn to the Argentina vs. Mexico narrative and the clash of star-studded rosters.
Why Pakistan Is Hooked
Soccer enjoys a growing fanbase in Pakistan, with Messi’s global stardom driving interest. His absence from the match, coupled with his recent MLS honor for a spectacular goal against LA Galaxy, dominated discussions on X, where fans shared reactions and highlights. The matchup’s appeal was heightened by Tigres’ strong Mexican contingent, including Diego Lainez and Juan Brunetta, resonating with Pakistan’s diverse soccer community. Posts on X, like those from @TigresOficial and @InterMiamiCF, fueled engagement by sharing lineups and live updates, amplifying the game’s visibility in Pakistan.
23 I GOOOOLLLL DEL NUEVE 💥 @LuisSuarez9 #MIAvTIG [1-0] @LeaguesCup
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2025
Stakes and Context
The winner of this quarterfinal advances to face either Toluca or Orlando City in the semifinals on August 26-27, with a chance to qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Inter Miami, the 2023 Leagues Cup champions, are chasing their second title, while Tigres aim to become the first Liga MX team to win the tournament. The 2024 encounter between these teams saw Tigres win 2-1, adding intrigue to the rematch. Pakistan’s soccer fans, accustomed to following European leagues, are increasingly drawn to MLS-Liga MX clashes for their competitive edge and star power.
Looking Ahead
As the match unfolded, the absence of Messi shifted focus to Inter Miami’s depth and Tigres’ attacking prowess. Pakistani fans remain glued to the outcome, with social media abuzz about whether Suárez and De Paul can secure a semifinal spot. The Leagues Cup’s growing popularity in Pakistan signals a rising appetite for international soccer, with this high-profile clash cementing its place in local sports conversations.
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