GOAT Second: Lionel Messi’s Beautiful Aim Sends Inter Miami Into Concacaf Champions Cup Spherical Of 16

Lionel Messi as soon as once more proved why he’s thought to be the best of all time, delivering a surprising efficiency to information Inter Miami previous Sporting Kansas Metropolis and into the Spherical of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

After scoring the one purpose in final week’s first-leg win in freezing circumstances, Messi produced an much more spectacular strike within the return fixture in South Florida on Tuesday. His good Nineteenth-minute half-volley set the tone for Miami’s dominant 3-1 victory on the night time, securing a cushty 4-1 combination win.

Messi initiated the transfer with a exact diagonal cross to former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez on the left flank. Suárez drove ahead earlier than selecting out Messi, who arrived unmarked on the fringe of the field. The Argentine maestro managed the ball together with his chest earlier than unleashing an unstoppable shot previous Sporting KC goalkeeper John Pulskamp.

Miami took full management from there. Messi’s countryman Tadeo Allende doubled the lead after an excellent setup by Jordi Alba, and Suárez capitalized on a defensive lapse so as to add a 3rd, all earlier than halftime. Sporting KC pulled one again by way of Memo Rodríguez within the second half, however the consequence was by no means doubtful.

With Miami in full command, coach Javier Mascherano substituted Messi shortly after the hour mark, permitting the 37-year-old to relaxation forward of the upcoming fixtures. The Herons will now face Jamaican membership Cavalier within the Spherical of 16, with the primary leg set for March 6.

Inter Miami is aiming to change into simply the third MLS crew this century to win the Concacaf Champions Cup, following within the footsteps of the Seattle Sounders, who ended Mexico’s dominance in 2022. Liga MX golf equipment have since reclaimed the title, with Pachuca defeating Columbus Crew in final 12 months’s closing.

Miami, which opened its 2025 MLS marketing campaign with a 2-2 draw in opposition to New York Metropolis FC final Saturday, will return to league motion on Sunday once they journey to Texas to tackle Houston Dynamo.