Leagues Cup sets record straight as Javier Mascherano coached Inter Miami’s win vs Tigres from the stands despite red card

Inter Miami edged Tigres UANL 2–1 in a dramatic Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, Aug. 20, despite the absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine star sat out with a hamstring injury, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium rather than leading his team on the pitch. However, the attention was also on Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano was sent off before the start of the second half after a heated dispute with referees over added stoppage time. Forced to leave the technical area, Mascherano took a seat in the stands directly above his team’s bench in Section 101.

Cameras later caught him on his phone during the 57th minute, appearing to pass instructions down to his coaching staff while assistants Leandro Stillitano and Lucas Rodriguez Pagano handled the touchline duties. The moment quickly set social media buzzing.

However, Leagues Cup responded to the controversy with a statement. “The Inter Miami coach was in a designated area in accordance with the tournament regulations. Cell phone communications are not prohibited under the Leagues Cup regulations. Please note that actions are reviewed by the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee,” read a statement cited by journalist José Armando.

The statment makes clear that Mascherano didn’t technically break any tournament rules. Still, questions remain about whether his in-game phone instructions might draw further review from organizers.

Match Recap

On the field, Luis Suarez was the hero of the night, converting two penalty kicks after Tigres defender Javier Aquino was twice penalized for handballs inside the box. The first came when Jordi Alba’s cross struck Aquino in the 52nd minute, while the decisive spot kick arrived in the 89th after another handball by the same player.

Tigres managed to level the score in the 67th minute through Angel Correa, who weaved through the Inter Miami defense for the equalizer. But just as Tigres looked to steal momentum, Suarez delivered the winner from the spot.

Between Messi’s absence, Mascherano’s red card and phone calls, and Suarez’s clutch penalties, this quarterfinal had everything. And now, all eyes turn to whether the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee has the final word on Mascherano’s cameo.