Inter Miami booked their place in the Leagues Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tigres UANL on Thursday night — and they did it without the injured Lionel Messi.

With the Argentine superstar sidelined, it was up to his longtime friend and strike partner Luis Suárez to step up — and the Uruguayan did just that. Miami dominated possession in the opening half and were rewarded when Suárez coolly converted a penalty to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.

Ángel Correa brought Tigres level in the 67th minute with a composed finish, injecting fresh tension into the knockout clash. But with just minutes remaining, Inter Miami were awarded a second penalty — and once again, Suárez made no mistake from the spot.