Lionel Messi is expected to return to the Inter Miami lineup for a critical knockout game against Tigres UNAL in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami vs. Tigres lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest for Messi in Leagues Cup quarterfinal originally appeared on The Sporting News
Lionel Messi is expected to return to the Inter Miami lineup for a critical knockout game against Tigres UNAL in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
The Herons are hoping to exact revenge on their Liga MX adversaries for a 2-1 defeat in the group stage of last year's Leagues Cup.
Messi, however, did not play in that game, nor did new signing Rodrigo de Paul who has been exceptional since joining just a few weeks ago.
Inter Miami qualified for the knockout stage by finishing second in the MLS portion of the Leagues Cup table, while Tigres finished third in a tight standings. They and Puebla were the final qualifiers over Juarez, who agonizingly missed out on the wins tiebreaker after all three finished level on points.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
MORE:A full look at the 2025 Leagues Cup bracket, schedule, fixtures, and results
Inter Miami vs. Tigres lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries
Inter Miami have a fully fit squad for maybe the first time in Lionel Messi's entire Herons career.
The Argentine legend returned from a hamstring injury in their recent league win over the LA Galaxy, entering off the bench for the full second half. He should be fully match fit now for a return to the starting lineup, meaning one of Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, or Fafa Picault will have to make way.
Rodrigo de Paul also came off the bench in that league win, but should return to the lineup, replacing Benjamin Cremaschi who was chastised by head coach Javier Mascherano for comments to the media about his recent deployment.
Inter Miami predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Ustari (GK) — Weigandt, Lujan, Falcon, Alba — Segovia, De Paul, Busquets, Picault — Messi, Suarez.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Star winger Uriel Antuna has hardly played since the Apertura league season began, out with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined for this match as well.
Fellow Mexican international Jesus Angulo is expected to be back soon from his long-term knee injury over the summer, but it's likely still too soon for this game, and he will need a bit of ramp-up before he's fully match fit.
Tigres predicted XI (4-5-1, right to left): Guzman (GK) — Aquino, Romulo, Purata, Garza — Lainez, Brunetta, Correa, Gorriaran, Herrera — Gignac.
Injured: Antuna (knee, doubt), Angulo (knee, doubt), Parra (knock, doubt).
Suspended: None.
Inter Miami vs. Tigres match details
- Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Location: Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
- Last meeting: Tigres 2-1 Inter Miami (Aug. 3, 2024 | Leagues Cup)
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