WASHINGTON, Aug 1, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Defending champion Inter Miami advanced to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup without even taking the field on Wednesday while DC United joined Lionel Messi's squad with a victory.

A 2-1 triumph by Tigres over 10-man Puebla at Houston ensured the winners and Inter Miami both progressed from their group.

MLS and Mexican Liga MX clubs are competing in the World Cup-style event with three-team groups each advancing two to the knockout stage.

Miami beat Puebla last Saturday even with Messi sidelined by a right ankle injury and Tigres eliminated Puebla's last hope.

Sebastian Cordova scored for Tigres in the second minute and Diego de Buen equalized in the 12th.

But Puebla's Lucas Cavallini was sent off in the 71st minute and Diego Reyes netted the winner five minutes from full-time.

Miami host Tigres on Saturday to decide the group winner.

At Philadelphia, Christian Benteke's 28th-minute goal sparked DC United's 3-0 victory over Santos Laguna.

The 33-year-old former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Liverpool striker has scored 17 goals in 22 matches for United this year.

US midfielder Ted Ku-Dipietro scored three minutes into the second half and Colombian striker Cristian Dajome added another in the 58th minute for United.

Host Charlotte FC, who lost their opening match at Philadelphia, kept their hopes alive with a 4-2 victory on penalties after a goalless draw with Mexican league leaders Cruz Azul.

Juarez's Angel Zaldivar scored in the 23rd minute and Colombian striker Aviles Hurtado in the 83rd minute sealed a 2-0 victory at FC Dallas, who were eliminated.

Mazatla would have also been out with a defeat but Ramiro Arciga scored in the 47th and 54th minutes for a 2-0 triumph at Nashville, last year's Cup runner-up.