Inter Miami Clash with Tigres: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
The elimination phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup begins with an exciting showdown between Inter Miami and Tigres.
Miami dominated LA Galaxy this past weekend and could potentially climb to the summit of the MLS Eastern Conference table if they secure victories in their three outstanding matches. Javier Mascherano's squad is hitting their stride as the campaign approaches its peak.
Tigres have enjoyed an impressive beginning to the season. Three dominant wins to kick off the Liga MX Apertura 2025 campaign and advancing to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals represented notable achievements. Nevertheless, Guido Pizarro's squad faltered this past weekend against Club América and will be determined to rebound against the Herons.
These two teams are remarkably evenly matched. Miami and Tigres possess two of the most talented squads in North American football, making this the premier matchup of the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of this MLS versus Liga MX encounter.
What Time Does Inter Miami vs. Tigres Kick-Off?
Inter Miami vs. Tigres Head-to-Head record
Current Form (All Competitions)
Inter Miami | Tigres |
|---|---|
Inter Miami 3–1 LA Galaxy - 8/16/25 | Tigres 1–3 Club América - 8/16(25 |
Orlando City SC 4–1 Inter Miami - 8/10/25 | Tigres 7–0 Puebla - 8/10/25 |
Inter Miami 3–1 Pumas - 8/6/25 | Tigres 1–2 LAFC - 8/5/25 |
Inter Miami 2–2 Necaxa (5–4 Pens) - 8/2/25 | Tigres 2–1 San Diego FC - 8/1/25 |
Inter Miami 2–1 Atlas - 7/30/25 | Tigres 4–1 Houston Dynamo - 7/29/25 |
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Tigres on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States and Rest of the World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Team News
Miami bounced back to form following a frustrating display in the Florida derby against Orlando City, overwhelming the defending MLS Cup champions 3–1 this past weekend with Lionel Messi's comeback from injury.
Messi made an immediate impact with two goal contributions in 45 minutes. Furthermore, Luis Suárez broke a two-month goal drought in MLS while Jordi Alba also found the net in what was a classic display from the ex-Barcelona legends.
Rodrigo De Paul has resumed full training after resolving his work visa complications. With Messi and De Paul available again, both are expected to start, likely replacing Fafa Picault and Benjamin Cremaschi.
Óscar Ustari has also recovered from injury and has been the starting goalkeeper for the past two matches. With the Argentine shot-stopper's return, Mascherano can now deploy his optimal starting eleven against Tigres.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Tigres
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Tigres (4-2-3-1): Ustari; Weigandt, Luján, Falcón, Alba; Busquets, De Paul; Allende, Messi, Segovia; Suárez
Tigres Team News
In Pizarro's inaugural complete season as head coach, Tigres have demonstrated significant progress compared to their performance during the opening half of 2025.
Despite suffering defeat to Club América this past weekend, Los Felinos have been among Mexico's top-performing teams since the campaign began. Much of their success stems from an adventurous yet outstanding midfield duo of Juan Brunetta and Fernando Gorriarán.
The two former Santos Laguna stars operated as attacking midfielders throughout most of their careers. However, Pizarro has chosen to position them at the base of midfield, transforming them into deep-lying orchestrators who dictate attacks, relying on them and particularly the defenders behind them to provide defensive stability.
In attack, 2022 World Cup winner Ángel Correa has integrated perfectly into his new club, already netting two doubles in the Leagues Cup which earned him a provisional recall to Argentina's national squad. Nicolás Ibáñez and Diego Lainez, following several underwhelming seasons, appear to have rediscovered their peak form, making Tigres's offensive unit look threatening.
Tigres Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Tigres Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Guzmán; Aquino, Rômulo, Sánchez Purata, Garza; Gorriarán, Brunetta; Lainez, Correa, Herrera; Ibáñez
Inter Miami vs. Tigres Score Prediction
Both sides emphasize offense over defense which could lead to an entertaining, free-flowing contest with numerous goal-scoring chances.
Miami possesses the offensive firepower to unlock Tigres's defense. However, the Herons have been vulnerable to swift counter-attacks throughout the tournament, though facing weaker opponents has allowed them to escape punishment mostly.
Should Miami continue to be regularly exposed in transition, then Tigres has sufficient attacking talent to capitalize on those opportunities.
This promises to be an end-to-end, captivating quarterfinal encounter. Ultimately, the MLS representatives will advance to the semifinals.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3–2 Tigres