Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to win over Sporting KC

Messi’s goal secures Inter Miami’s first-leg victory in freezing conditions.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the first leg of a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup match against Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on February 19, 2025. Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

Lionel Messi delivered another moment of brilliance on Wednesday, scoring the only goal as Inter Miami secured a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg. Despite freezing temperatures, Messi found the net in the 56th minute, giving Miami a vital away goal before next week’s second leg in Florida.

Receiving a long pass from Sergio Busquets, Messi controlled the ball on his chest, skillfully maneuvered past Erik Thommy, and fired a low shot past Sporting goalkeeper John Pulskamp. The goal proved to be the difference as Miami held on for the victory.

Harsh weather conditions test players

The match at Children's Mercy Park was postponed by 24 hours due to an arctic storm that left heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures. Even after the delay, conditions remained brutal, with the temperature at kickoff dropping to minus 17 degrees Celsius (one degree Fahrenheit).

Messi and his Miami teammates played in gloves, neck warmers, and full-length leggings to combat the cold, while Kansas City players also adapted to the extreme weather.

Miami controls the game but struggles to break through

Inter Miami, who dominated Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference last season, controlled possession for long stretches. Luis Suárez had two early chances, narrowly missing the target in the eighth and 35th minutes.

Despite Miami’s pressure, Kansas City’s defense held firm in the first half, preventing the visitors from finding an early breakthrough.

Messi delivers the decisive goal

The breakthrough finally came in the second half when Busquets floated a cross-field pass to Messi. The Argentine superstar’s quick footwork created space for a low shot into the far corner, giving Miami the lead.

Sporting Kansas City pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Miami’s defense remained solid. Goalkeeper Drake Callender made a crucial save in the 80th minute to preserve the clean sheet.

Second leg set for Florida

With the win, Inter Miami takes a crucial away goal into the return leg next Tuesday. Sporting Kansas City now faces a difficult task, needing a road victory to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive.

Miami, led by Messi and Suárez, remains in a strong position to advance to the tournament’s last 16.

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