Inter Miami secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round 1. Led by a vintage performance from Lionel Messi, Miami made light work of the visitors to set up a Round of 16 clash against Jamaican side Cavalier.
Messi, the 37-year-old superstar, once again proved decisive, opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a breathtaking strike. After slipping a through ball to Luis Suárez, Messi controlled Suárez’s return pass off his chest before rifling a shot past SKC goalkeeper John Pulskamp into the bottom right corner.
Miami doubled its lead just before halftime. Messi played a pinpoint pass to Jordi Alba, who sent a perfect cross into the box for Tadeo Allende, and the Argentine slotted it home in the 45th minute.
Just two minutes later, a costly error by SKC defender Jacob Davis led to Miami’s third goal. A poor touch from Davis allowed Suárez to pounce, and the Uruguayan veteran placed a difficult shot past Pulskamp to put the game out of reach at 3-0.
Kansas City had opportunities to keep the contest closer, particularly early on. The visitors outshot Miami 6-3 in the opening stages and appeared to equalize in the 40th minute through Dejan Joveljić, but the goal was ruled offside.
SKC finally found the net in the 63rd minute when substitute Memo Rodríguez fired a long-range effort past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. The goal was Kansas City’s first of the 2025 season, as they continue to search for form following a turbulent offseason.
Despite finishing with 10 total shots (four on target), SKC lacked the clinical edge Miami displayed. The home side capitalized on all three of its first-half shots, showing ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
Messi, who has played every minute of Miami’s first two matches of 2025—including last week’s 1-0 first-leg win in Kansas City—was substituted in the 69th minute with the result secure. His two-goal contribution across both legs was instrumental in Miami’s advancement.
Next up, Inter Miami faces Cavalier SC in the Round of 16, with the first leg set for March 6 in Fort Lauderdale. Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City remains winless in 2025 and will need to regroup as they continue adjusting to significant roster changes.
For now, Miami marches on, with Messi and company proving they are a force to be reckoned with in continental competition.
