Messi is absent! Suarez scored double penalty kicks, Miami International advanced to the semi-finals of the League Cup

On the morning of August 21, all quarter-finals of the 2025 North American League Cup were finished. Miami International, which was the first to kick off, scored two penalty kicks by 38-year-old veteran Suarez, and became the first team to advance to the semi-finals of this League Cup with Messi absent.

The first half started in 19 minutes, Alba passed the ball from the bottom of the penalty area on the left to cause the opponent's handball. The referee decisively awarded a penalty kick. Suarez took the penalty and hit the first record. Miami International led Tigers 1-0. In the 27th minute, Suarez passed through the penalty area in the middle, and Allende got a one-on-one chance, but unfortunately he was cleared by the defensive player and did not have a shot. As the first half approached, Alba was stepped on to the ankle by Segovia. Although he insisted on playing the remaining games in the first half, he could not hold on for only one minute in the second half and was then replaced.

After the change of sides, Miami coach Mascherano was sent to the stands by the head coach because he was dissatisfied with the referee's penalty. Without the head coach on the sidelines, Miami was still seized by Tigers in the 66th minute of the game. Tigers' straight pass through without a threat, but Miami's defense did not get the ball in time. Correa, who was followed, forced to squeeze through the position to form a single shot, and then pushed the ball into the goal with a push shot. The score reached 1-1, and both sides returned to the same starting line. In the 84th minute of the game, Miami International won another penalty kick. DePaul hit the opponent's player with a pass or a shot in the penalty area. After confirmation of VAR replay, the referee pointed to 12 yards again. Suarez withstood the pressure and hit a steady shot again, helping Miami International lead 2-1. At the last moment of the game, Tigers almost equalized the score again. Unfortunately, Lenez headed the ball and shot the post on both sides of the goal and bounced out. In the end, Miami International eliminated Tigers 2-1 and advanced to the semi-finals.

Although Miami International successfully won the game, it still exposed the problem of weak offense. Without penalty kicks, Miami's full-game sports war threats are limited, and the opponent's mistakes are only used to win. Suarez is already 38 years old. Although the penalty kick is still stable, his athletic ability has declined significantly and he cannot afford the task of breaking through the ball. In addition, the team's defense line also has great problems. The opponents broke through the defense line many times during the game. If goalkeeper Ustari had not saved the dangerous situation repeatedly, Miami International would have been in danger today.

Due to Messi's absence due to injury, Suarez, who scored two goals in this game, was the biggest contributor to the team's victory. After this game, Suarez scored 38 goals in 74 games for Miami International and increased his career total to 527 goals.

In the other three 4/1 finals, Orlando City drew 0-0 with Toluca in regular time, and in the end Orlando City defeated Toluca 6-5 in the penalty shootout.

The Seattle Bayerman drew 0-0 with Puebla at home with one man sent off in the second half, but the Seattle Bayerman eliminated Puebla through a penalty shootout and successfully advanced to the semi-finals.

The last one to win the semi-finals was Los Angeles Galaxy. They established a lead early with their own gift from their opponents in the first half and Reus' goal in the 37th minute. Although Pachuca scored a goal in the 6th minute of injury time, it was too late, and Los Angeles Galaxy finally advanced to the semi-finals 2-1.

It is worth mentioning that all Mexican teams lost in the quarter-finals, and no team reached the semi-finals. Miami International will play against Orlando City in the semi-finals. Orlando City is currently ranked fourth in the East and Miami International is ranked fifth in the East. In another semi-final, Los Angeles Galaxy will challenge the Seattle Bayer, which is temporarily ranked fourth in the West, and Los Angeles Galaxy ranked last in the West.