Inter Miami beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium, earning a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 following the 1-0 victory in the first leg. Lionel Messi scored the opening goal with a clinical left-footed strike.
The primary goal for Javier Mascheranoās team in 2025 was to progress to the next phase of the prestigious continental tournament. With the invaluable contributions of Messi, that target was reached. The Argentine forward netted the winning goal last week in Kansas City and once again found the back of the net in this crucial encounter.
Although Sporting Kansas City initially controlled possession and looked to assert territorial dominance, Inter Miami responded with lethal efficiency. Just 19 minutes into the match, Leo initiated an attack with a precise, penetrating pass to Luis Suarez. The striker, taking a moment to wait for Messiās run into the final third, then played the ball into his path. The Argentine star controlled it expertly with his chest before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite facing a two-goal deficit in the series, Sporting Kansas City remained undeterred and quickly regained control of the match following Messiās opener. The visitors came close to leveling the score when Dejan Joveljic received the ball inside the penalty area, evaded goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, and slotted it home. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, a decision that was later confirmed by VAR.
Inter Miami increase the lead
Although they did not dominate possession or territorial play, Inter Miami demonstrated remarkable efficiency in the closing minutes of the first half. In the 46th minute, Tadeo Allende found the back of the net, finishing off a well-weighted cross from Jordi Alba. Moments later, Luis Suarez capitalized on defensive errors by Sporting Kansas City, extending the lead to 3-0.
In the second half, the Herons opted to ease off on the gas, managing their lead with the upcoming matches in mind and the significant advantage in the scoreline. In this period, Sporting Kansas City pulled one back as Memo Rodriguez scored, firing a shot from outside the box that deflected off Falcon and left goalkeeper Ustari with no chance.
Messi requests substitution
Twenty-two minutes into the second half, following a contested ball in midfield, Lionel Messi signaled to Javier Mascherano that he wished to be substituted. Shortly thereafter, the head coach made the change, bringing on Benjamin Cremaschi in place of the Argentine forward.
While it is uncommon for Messi to come off during a matchāhaving previously shown frustration with coaches who have substituted himāthis decision seemed justified. With just five days until Inter Miami face Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer, the rest will likely benefit the 37-year-old star as he prepares for the upcoming challenge.
Inter Miamiās next opponent in the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Following the victory against Sporting Kansas City, Inter Miami CF will face a significantly different challenge in the next phase of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Instead of another Major League Soccer side, they will meet Cavalier FC from Jamaica in the Round of 16. The first game will take place next Thursday, March 6, in Miami, with the decisive second leg scheduled for the following week in Kingston.
