Lionel Messi once again showcased his brilliance as Inter Miami stormed into the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a commanding 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, sealing a 4-1 aggregate victory. One of the highlight moment from the match was Messi's scoring the opening goal with a superb volley that had the crowd on their feet.
After scoring in the first leg under freezing conditions in Kansas City, Messi found the net again in the return fixture at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale. The Argentine maestro struck in the 19th minute.
Luis Suarez, provided a delicate chip into the box, where Messi, left unmarked by Kansas City's defense, calmly controlled the ball with his chest before volleying it into the bottom corner.
Inter Miami knockout Kansa City FC
After Messi's opening goal, Inter Miami doubled the lead Just before halftime. Messi was once again invovle din thegoal. The Argentina striker played a perfect pass to Jordi Alba on the left flank. Alba then delivered a precise low cross, which Tadeo Allende slotted home from close range.
Kansas City managed to pull one back in the 63rd minute when Memo Rodriguez's long-range effort took a deflection and found the back of the net. However, it was too little, too late as Miami held firm to secure the win.
Following the comfortable victory, Miami will face Jamaican side Cavalier, the reigning Caribbean Cup champions, in the round of 16. The first leg of this exciting encounter is set to take place in Florida in early March.
Since joining Inter Miami as a free agent in 2023, Messi has been a revelation in Major League Soccer. He has amassed 36 goals and 20 assists in just 42 appearances across all competitions.
