Lionel Messi, Inter Miami sweep Sporting KC in CONCACAF series

Field Level Media|published: Wed 26th February, 24:47 2025

Soccer: Concacaf Champions Cup-Sporting Kansas City at Inter Miami CF

Feb 25, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) passes the ball as Sporting Kansas City defender Zorhan Bassong (22) defends during the first half in Round One of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Superstar Lionel Messi opened the scoring and Inter Miami swept Sporting Kansas City with a 3-1 victory on Tuesday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in their CONCACAF Champions Cup opening-round series.

Inter Miami had shut out SKC 1-0, on Messi's goal, in the first leg of the two-match series last Wednesday in frigid weather in Kansas City, Kan. With the 4-1 edge in aggregate scoring, Inter Miami advances to face Jamaican side Cavalier in the round of 16, with the MLS club hosting the first leg on March 6.

Messi scored in the 19th minute, with teammates Tadeo Allende (first minute of extra time) and Luis Suarez (third minute of extra time) as Inter Miami scored on all three of its first-half shots. Suarez assisted Messi's goal.

Kansas City notched its first goal in three matches this year on Memo Rodriguez's score in the 63rd minute. SKC finished with 10 shot attempts and four on goal, while Inter Miami totaled six shots and four on goal.

--Field Level Media