Inter Miami CF defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s opening round on February 19, 2025, in an exciting match.
With temperatures dropping to 7 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 degrees Celsius) at kickoff, the game, which took place at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, was one of the coldest in Lionel Messi’s storied career.
Match Overview
Both teams were trying to adjust to the severe weather when the game started, which surely affected the play and speed. Luis Suárez of Inter Miami had early chances to end the draw, but he missed the mark by a hair in the eighth and thirty-fourth minutes.
Supported by their home crowd, Sporting Kansas City tried to get through Miami’s defense but was consistently stopped.
The pivotal moment took place in the 56th minute. Midfielder Sergio Busquets sent a well-placed lofted pass from the center of the field, locating Messi within the penalty area. Exhibiting remarkable control, Messi brought the ball down with his chest, navigated around a defender, and expertly placed a right-footed shot into the far corner, out of goalkeeper John Pulskamp’s reach.
This goal not only highlighted Messi’s technical skills but also emphasized his ability to excel in difficult situations.
Historical Context
This match is noted for being one of the coldest in Messi’s career. He had encountered frigid conditions in UEFA Champions League games with FC Barcelona before, including a fixture against Spartak Moscow in 2012, where the temperature was around 1°C (34°F). Nevertheless, the sub-zero temperatures in Kansas City posed a new challenge that Messi overcame with his match-winning display.
Looking Ahead
With this vital away goal, Inter Miami has a narrow lead as they get ready to face Sporting Kansas City again on February 25 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The team will strive to take advantage of their home-field conditions and more moderate climate to ensure their advancement to the next stage of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
For fans eager to relive the highlights of this intense matchup, including Messi’s exquisite goal, the following video provides a comprehensive recap: