Messi Strikes as Inter Miami Advances in Concacaf Champions Cup
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Synopsis
Inter Miami CF triumphed over Sporting Kansas City with a 3-1 victory, clinching a 4-1 aggregate win in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One. Captain Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, and Luis Suarez each contributed goals, advancing Miami to the Round of 16, where they will face Cavalier FC.
Key Takeaways
- Inter Miami CF won 3-1 against Sporting Kansas City.
- Lionel Messi scored a remarkable volley.
- Tadeo Allende netted his first goal for the Club.
- Luis Suarez recorded his first goal of the season.
- Miami progresses to face Cavalier FC in the next round.
Fort Lauderdale (US), Feb 26 (NationPress) Inter Miami CF secured a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night during the second leg of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One clash, clinching the series 4-1 on aggregate and moving on to the Round of 16.
A stunning volley from captain Lionel Messi, a debut goal from attacker Tadeo Allende, and a strike from star forward Luis Suarez propelled the team to this crucial win at Chase Stadium.
The Club is now set to face the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup champion Cavalier FC in the Round of 16, with the first leg scheduled for March 6 at Chase Stadium. The return leg will take place at Stadium East Field in Kingston, Jamaica on March 13.
Miami initiated the match and quickly found the net, with Messi scoring in the 19th minute. A swift counter-attack culminated in Suárez receiving the ball on the left flank, delivering a precise cross to Messi at the edge of the box, according to the Inter Miami report.
The Argentine icon controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful left-footed volley into the near post. This marked Messi’s second goal in the Champions Cup campaign, while the assist was Suarez’s first.
As the match neared halftime, Inter Miami extended its lead with a goal from Allende in the first minute of added time. Another quick play down the left side saw Alba receive the ball, entering the box to provide a grounded pass for Allende to finish from close range. This was Allende’s first official goal since joining the Club, with Alba providing his first assist this 2025 season.
Shortly after, in the third minute of added time, Suárez struck again to further increase the lead. The Uruguayan forward capitalized on a loose ball within the box, outmuscling his defender before sending the ball to the net with a right-footed finish, marking his first goal of the 2025 season.
The score of 3-1 remained intact until the final whistle, allowing Inter Miami to triumph in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup 4-1 on aggregate and secure a spot in the Round of 16.
