Inter Miami Falls to Tigres in Leagues Cup Without Injured Lionel Messi

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi did not play for Inter Miami as he remains sidelined after suffering a right ankle ligament injury in Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Colombia last month.

Juan Pablo Vigon scored in the 84th minute to secure a 2-1 triumph for Tigres over the defending Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami on Saturday.

The 33-year-old Mexican midfielder’s goal clinched the win for the eight-time Liga MX champions at Houston, securing their title in group play.

The Leagues Cup features MLS and Liga MX teams divided into three-team groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.

With this loss, Miami settled for second in their group and now faces the possibility of a first-round knockout match against Pachuca, the reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup champions.

Messi did not participate in the match due to his ongoing recovery from the ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America final.

Tigres took the lead in the 36th minute with a goal from Argentine striker Juan Brunetta. Miami equalized in the 74th minute with a goal from Ecuadoran forward Leo Campana, but Vigon’s late goal sealed the victory for Tigres.