Frigid First Leg: Messi Breaks the Ice
The clash between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup wasn’t just about bragging rights—it was a test in extreme conditions and high expectations. The first leg, set at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, was practically an icebox with temperatures plunging to just 5 degrees at kickoff. While cold weather usually slows the game down, it didn’t stop Lionel Messi from making his mark. In the 56th minute, Messi found the back of the net, drilling home a perfect pass from Sergio Busquets. That solitary goal proved vital, especially with both teams struggling to find their footing on the frozen turf.
This first match set the tone for the entire series. Sporting KC pushed hard, but Inter Miami’s organized defense and midfield held tight. Maximiliano Falcón made his first official appearance for Miami, steadying the back line despite the pressure. For Sporting KC, new faces like Jacob Bartlett and Dejan Joveljic got their chance to show what they could do on a huge stage, but they couldn’t break down Miami’s defense. FS2 and Vix brought the action to fans in English and Spanish, letting everyone catch the tense opening showdown.
Fireworks in Florida: Miami Flexes at Home
The story flipped completely in the second leg at Miami’s Chase Stadium. Warmer weather, a packed crowd, and a Miami side hungry to finish the job meant only one thing—goals. Messi wasted no time, smashing in a powerful volley from the edge of the box in the 19th minute, with his old pal Luis Suárez providing the assist. That goal wasn’t just another Messi highlight—it was the 100th time Messi and Suárez have combined for a goal in competitive matches, a crazy stat for anyone following their careers from Barcelona to Miami.
Miami were just getting started. Right before halftime, Tadeo Allende found the net in stoppage time (45'+1), followed just two minutes later by Suárez himself (45'+3). Suddenly, Miami was up 3-0 on the night, looking unstoppable. Sporting Kansas City refused to go quietly—Memo Rodríguez fired in a truly impressive long-range shot in the 63rd minute to make it 3-1 on the day. Still, the aggregate was beyond reach.
- Inter Miami advanced with a 4-1 tally over the two legs, showing control and flair.
- Notable debuts made headlines for both sides—Falcón for Miami, Bartlett and Joveljic for KC.
- Broadcast coverage on FS2 and Vix brought the drama to fans everywhere.
With the win, Miami earned a spot in the Champions Cup Round of 16, where they lined up against Cavalier FC—fresh off their Caribbean Cup win. Interest is building around whether new Miami signings and their superstar duo can push even deeper into the tournament. What’s clear: with Messi in this form and Suárez hitting his stride, Miami’s Champions Cup journey is just getting exciting.