Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Leagues Cup match.
Even defeat didn’t stop Tigres UANL from reaching the last eight of this cross-border competition. Inter Miami, despite finishing only second in their group, arguably present the sternest test left in the draw.
Inter Miami
These sides already crossed paths in last year’s edition, sharing a group where Tigres came out on top (2:1). Lionel Messi missed that meeting as he was recovering from an ACL injury. His involvement here is again in doubt. The Argentine sat out the third group match against Pumas UNAM (3:1) and the next MLS fixture with muscle problems. He did return for the second half against LA Galaxy on 16 August and struck the winner, but his fitness remains under assessment.
Tigres UANL
Tigres lost their final group game to Los Angeles FC (1:2), but the scoreline was misleading. The Monterrey side bossed possession (63%) and fired 18 shots, generating 1.53 xG, only to be thwarted by poor finishing and a strong goalkeeping display. In Liga MX, they also slipped to a 1:3 defeat against América, but once again the stats told a different story: 17-11 on shots, 6-3 on target, and 59% possession in Tigres’ favour. Against Mexico’s most powerful outfit, that still counts for something.
Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL Prediction
If Tigres sharpen their finishing, they have every chance of progressing. Messi’s absence would only tilt the balance further in their favour. With their attacking volume and control in recent matches, the visitors look well placed to avoid defeat in regulation time.
