Messi Scores as Inter Miami Secures Concacaf Champions Cup Last-16 Berth

It was spearheaded by a breathtaking volley from skipper Lionel Messi, a first-ever goal for Tadeo Allende, and a ruthless finish by star striker Luis Suárez as Inter Miami overpowered at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami CF earned a resounding 3-1 triumph over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday evening in the second leg of their 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One. This win put Miami up to a 4-1 aggregate, securing a Round of 16 spot for them in the tournament.

It was spearheaded by a breathtaking volley from skipper Lionel Messi, a first-ever goal for Tadeo Allende, and a ruthless finish by star striker Luis Suárez as Inter Miami overpowered at Chase Stadium.

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The squad will next play 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup champions Cavalier FC in the next stage. The first game is scheduled on March 6 at Chase Stadium, with the return game played on March 13 at Stadium East Field, Kingston, Jamaica.

Miami didn't hesitate to take control, scoring in the 19th minute. A quick counterattack had Suárez providing a pinpoint cross from the left wing, which picked out Messi at the box's edge. The Argentine master took control of the ball with his chest before letting fly with a powerful left-footed volley into the near post, his second goal of the Champions Cup campaign. Suárez, for his part, had his first assist of the tournament.

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In the dying seconds of first-half stoppage time, Miami doubled their advantage. Jordi Alba ran into the box after a good move down the left flank before cutting back for Allende to slot home from close distance. This was Allende's first official goal since signing for the club, and Alba registered his first assist of the 2025 campaign.

Moments later, in the third minute of stoppage time, Suárez left his mark on the score sheet. Pouncing on a loose ball in the box, Uruguayan striker pushed his defender aside before unleashing a calm right-footed strike into the net—his season-opening goal.

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The scoreline remained unchanged after the break, sealing Inter Miami’s 4-1 aggregate triumph and securing their place in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

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