Lionel Messi: The Argentine Living Legend, Unstoppable at 40

Lionel Messi: The Argentine Living Legend, Unstoppable at 40

Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Lionel Messi started the scoring with a brilliant goal in the 19th minute, and Inter Miami defeated Sporting KC 3-1 on Tuesday night in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Luis Suárez and Tadeo Alende also scored, as Inter Miami advanced to the next round with a 4-1 aggregate score. They will face Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier FC on March 6. Messi had scored in the first leg in Kansas City with a 1-0 lead.

Memo Rodríguez scored for KC, marking their first goal of 2025.

Miami scored three times in the first half, though KC had more opportunities early on, with six shots and three on target. Messi provided an excellent through ball to Suárez, who controlled it with his chest and calmly finished into the lower right corner past goalkeeper John Pulskamp. Messi also created another goal-scoring chance with a perfect pass that reached Alende through Jordi Alba, with Alende scoring in the 45th minute. Two minutes later, a misplayed touch by KC's Jacob Davis allowed Suárez to score easily, with the ball bouncing past Pulskamp.

"Players like Messi and Suárez have a level of quality," said KC's coach Peter Vermes. "They know the moments of the game. They play on a different level from each other, and they have done it at every league and level... If you give them a chance, the game will open up because they can break you down with just one opportunity."

Messi, who played every minute in Miami's first two matches, left the field in the 69th minute on Tuesday. Suárez and experienced Sergio Busquets played until the 81st minute.

Miami's coach Javier Mascherano mentioned that he has been managing the minutes of his veteran players throughout the season to keep them fit.

This has created opportunities for younger players, such as 26-year-old Alende.

"We will try to move them forward as much as possible because we believe in them," Mascherano said about Miami's young players. "Of course, I enjoy working with older players, but I know that the young players have a lot to offer us."

KC created several opportunities, with 10 shots and 4 on target. Dejan Joveljic attempted a 1-1 equalizer in the 40th minute but was ruled offside.

KC, still finding their position after an offseason turnover, remains undefeated in 2025.

FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Displayed

The FIFA Club World Cup trophy was displayed at Chase Stadium, which will kick off in June.

Inter Miami, along with European powers Real Madrid and Manchester City, will participate in the tournament, which will be held in an expanded format across 11 American cities, with 32 teams taking part.

"It’s an honor for us to have the trophy here," said Manolo Zubiria, the chief tournament official, "and Inter Miami is the first club to bring it to the United States... a lot of excitement is building up. The clubs are ready. We are ready."