Messi Leads Inter Miami Past Sporting KC 3-1 in Champions Cup Victory/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi’s 19th-minute strike set the tone as Inter Miami defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 Tuesday night, advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 with a 4-1 aggregate. Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende added goals, while Memo Rodríguez netted Kansas City’s first goal of 2025. Miami now faces Jamaica’s Cavalier FC on March 6 in the next round.
Inter Miami vs. Sporting KC Quick Looks
- Lionel Messi scored in the 19th minute, leading Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.
- Inter Miami advances to the Round of 16 with a 4-1 aggregate score in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
- Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende added goals, with Allende scoring just before halftime.
- Kansas City’s Memo Rodríguez scored from outside the box in the second half.
- Messi’s early strike was his second goal of the series, having scored in the first leg.
- Coach Javier Mascherano praised Miami’s mix of veterans and younger players.
- Kansas City coach Peter Vermes highlighted the decisive quality of Messi and Suárez.
- Inter Miami will face Cavalier FC of Jamaica on March 6 in the next round.
Messi Leads Inter Miami Past Sporting KC 3-1 in Champions Cup Victory
Deep Look
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi wasted no time making an impact, scoring in the 19th minute to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City Tuesday night in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s first round. The result gave Miami a 4-1 aggregate win and a ticket to the Round of 16, where they will face Cavalier FC of Jamaica on March 6.
Messi’s goal was a showcase of his legendary skill and precision. After exchanging passes with Luis Suárez, Messi controlled the ball off his chest and rifled a shot past Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp into the bottom right corner.
“There is this level of quality that guys like Messi and Suárez bring,” said Kansas City coach Peter Vermes. “With one chance, they can break you.”
How the Goals Unfolded
- 19th Minute: Messi opens the scoring with a chest control and strike off a Suárez pass.
- 45th Minute: Messi sets up Jordi Alba, whose cross finds Tadeo Allende for Miami’s second goal.
- 47th Minute: A Kansas City defensive miscue allows Suárez to notch Miami’s third goal.
- 63rd Minute: Memo Rodríguez scores Kansas City’s first goal of 2025 from outside the box.
Veterans Shine, Youth Emerges
Miami coach Javier Mascherano emphasized balancing the veteran stars with younger talent:
“We believe in pushing our young players,” Mascherano said. “But having legends like Messi and Suárez brings invaluable experience.”
While veterans like Messi (69 minutes), Suárez (81 minutes), and Sergio Busquets (81 minutes) played key roles, Allende’s goal underscored the team’s commitment to youth development.
Kansas City’s Frustration & Missed Chances
Despite creating 10 shots (4 on target), Kansas City struggled to capitalize:
- Dejan Joveljic’s 40th-minute equalizer was disallowed for offside.
- Memo Rodríguez’s goal in the 63rd minute was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging night.
“We had chances but couldn’t convert,” Vermes said. “Against a team with players like Messi and Suárez, you must be clinical.”
Looking Ahead: Inter Miami’s Next Opponent
Inter Miami will face Cavalier FC in the Round of 16 on March 6, aiming to build on their strong start to the tournament.
Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City remains winless in 2025, still searching for cohesion after significant offseason roster changes.
FIFA Club World Cup on the Horizon
Fans also got a glimpse of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy at Chase Stadium, heightening excitement for the expanded 32-team tournament set to kick off in June. Inter Miami will open the tournament against Egypt’s Al Ahly on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium.
“It’s a privilege to have the trophy here,” said tournament officer Manolo Zubiria. “The excitement is building, and clubs are ready.”
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