Inter Miami CF took a significant step toward the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Jamaican side Cavalier FC in the first leg of their Round of 16 series. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested due to reported muscle overload concerns, the Herons secured a crucial win at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday night.
Inter Miami faced early adversity as Cavalier FC threatened to pull off a surprise. The Jamaican club nearly struck first in first-half stoppage time when Shaquille Stein found the net following a well-worked set-piece routine. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to a tight offside call — a break that proved pivotal for the hosts.
Following a frustrating opening 45 minutes, Miami finally broke through in the 61st minute. Argentine winger Tadeo Allende capitalized on a scrappy sequence in the box, slotting home the opening goal after Luis Suárez’s determined effort kept the ball in play just before it crossed the end line.
Suárez would later double Miami’s advantage in the 83rd minute, finding the net to provide some much-needed breathing room heading into next week’s decisive second leg.
Much of the buildup and postgame conversation centered around Messi’s absence. Reports emerged earlier in the day that the Argentine superstar would miss his second consecutive match across all competitions. While Inter Miami cited muscle overload as the reason for Messi’s rest, speculation continues to swirl regarding his fitness and availability for future fixtures.
Inter Miami now hold a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead as they prepare to travel to Kingston for the second leg on March 13 at Cavalier’s National Stadium, Independence Park. The Herons will look to finish the job and secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Awaiting the winner of this series will be an all-MLS showdown, where LAFC currently hold a 3-0 aggregate lead over the Columbus Crew following their own first-leg victory.
With a strong defensive performance and timely goals from Allende and Suárez, Inter Miami are firmly in control, but Cavalier FC’s spirited showing in Fort Lauderdale suggests the Jamaican side won’t go down without a fight.
