Lionel Messi delivered a stunning goal in the 19th minute, propelling Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round.
Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende also found the net as Miami secured a 4-1 aggregate win, setting up a round of 16 clash with Jamaica Premier League champion Cavalier FC on March 6. Messi, who also scored in last week’s 1-0 first-leg victory in Kansas City, continues to be a driving force for Miami.
Memo Rodríguez netted Kansas City’s first goal of 2025, but Miami capitalized on early opportunities, converting all three of its first-half shots despite Kansas City outshooting them 6-3 in that span.
Messi played a pivotal role in Miami’s attacking display, setting up Suárez with a through ball before controlling the return pass off his chest and driving it past goalkeeper John Pulskamp into the bottom right corner. He also initiated Miami’s second goal, delivering a well-placed pass to Jordi Alba, who assisted Allende in the 45th minute.
Just two minutes later, a misplayed touch by Kansas City’s Jacob Davis led to Suárez scoring on a difficult shot that bounced past Pulskamp, further extending Miami’s lead.
“There is this level of quality that guys like Messi and Suárez bring,” Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes said. “They know the moments in the game. They just know them. They operate at such a different level than other players, and they’ve done it at all leagues and levels. … If you let them get ahead of you, the game can open up because with one chance they can break you.”
Messi, 37, played every minute of Miami’s first two matches this season but exited in the 69th minute. Suárez and Sergio Busquets each logged 81 minutes. Miami coach Javier Mascherano said managing the minutes of his veteran stars will be a priority to keep them fresh throughout the season.
That approach has created opportunities for younger players like the 26-year-old Allende.
“We will try this season to push them as much as we can because we believe in them,” Mascherano said. “Obviously, I love to work with the old guys, or the big men, but I know that the young players can give us much.”
Kansas City had several scoring chances, finishing with 10 shots and four on target. Dejan Joveljic appeared to equalize in the 40th minute, but his goal was ruled offside. Rodríguez came off the bench in the 58th minute and scored from outside the box five minutes later.
Sporting KC remains winless in 2025 as the club continues to adjust following significant offseason roster changes.
The FIFA Club World Cup trophy was showcased at Chase Stadium ahead of the tournament’s expanded 32-team format debut in June.
The competition will feature Inter Miami alongside European giants Real Madrid and Manchester City across 11 U.S. cities.
“It’s a privilege to have the trophy here,” said FIFA Club World Cup chief tournament officer Manolo Zubiria. “For Inter Miami to be the first club to host it in the U.S. … A lot of excitement is building up. The clubs are ready. We’re ready.”
Inter Miami will kick off the monthlong tournament on June 14 against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium, the 65,000-seat home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
