Messi and De Paul Return as Inter Miami Gears Up for Explosive Leagues Cup Quarterfinal Showdown Against Tigres
Inter Miami welcomes Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash as they aim to advance one step closer to reclaiming the title they secured two seasons ago.
Miami bounced back to form with a commanding 3–1 triumph over LA Galaxy in their previous outing. Even more importantly, Lionel Messi made his comeback from injury and displayed his classic brilliance, contributing both a goal and an assist in the victory.
Following a brief hiatus of ten days, Miami shifts their attention back to the Leagues Cup. The Herons led the MLS standings during the tournament's initial stage, but Liga MX outfit Tigres will present a formidable challenge. Guido Pizarro's squad possesses talent and depth across all areas of the pitch, meaning Miami needs to perform at their peak to secure victory.
With Rodrigo de Paul and Messi expected to return to the starting formation and Óscar Ustari set to make his tournament bow, Javier Mascherano will deploy his most potent XI available.
Tigres undoubtedly represents Miami's most challenging opponent in the Leagues Cup to date, but with home advantage and their star players spearheading the charge, progression to the semifinals remains the target.
Here's how Inter Miami might line up against Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal encounter.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Tigres (4-2-3-1)
GK: Óscar Ustari—Ustari brings extensive experience against Tigres following his five-year stint competing in Liga MX.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt—The standout performer from Miami's tournament-opening triumph will cover the right side.
CB: Gonzalo Luján—The ex-San Lorenzo defender continues to provide stability at the core of Miami's backline.
CB: Maximiliano Falcon—Miami's defensive captain will face the challenge of neutralizing prolific striker Nico Ibáñez.
LB: Jordi Alba—Alba, alongside Weigandt, will be among the few repeat starters from Miami's defeat to Tigres in their sole previous encounter last season.
CM: Sergio Busquets—Busquets's endurance will face examination against an energetic and agile midfield unit. However, the experienced player possesses sufficient skill to remain Miami's orchestrator in the center of the field.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul—De Paul was recruited by Miami specifically for matches of this caliber. He'll play a crucial role for the Herons in ball retention while remaining cautious of fellow Argentine Ángel Correa.
RW: Tadeo Allende—Allende has struggled to find his top form lately and requires a strong performance.
AM: Lionel Messi—Messi will make his first start since sustaining an injury in the tournament's second match. He has recorded seven goal contributions in his previous four outings for the Herons.
LW: Telasco Segovia—Since arriving at the club at the season's start, Segovia has netted 10 goals across 39 matches for Miami.
ST: Luis Suárez—Suárez ended his goal drought in Miami's latest Leagues Cup success against Pumas. The seasoned forward could prove decisive in the quarterfinal showdown.
