Wed Feb 26 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi Magic Sends Inter Miami to Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16
**Fort Lauderdale, FL** – Lionel Messi led Inter Miami CF to a commanding 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night, securing a 4-1 aggregate win and a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16. Messi’s stunning strike, coupled with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez, sealed the comfortable second-leg win at DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi opened the scoring with a masterful finish, showcasing his world-class ability. Allende added a second before halftime, capitalizing on a Messi assist. Suárez then secured the win with a difficult goal, bouncing the ball past the Kansas City goalkeeper. Memo Rodríguez scored a consolation goal for Kansas City, their first of 2025.
Despite Kansas City’s efforts, creating several scoring chances, Inter Miami’s efficiency proved decisive. They scored on all three of their first-half shots. Messi, who played the full match in the first leg, was substituted in the 69th minute.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Suárez’s contribution, highlighting his importance to the team’s overall play. Mascherano also emphasized the team’s resilience, having played a challenging match just days prior.
The win sends Inter Miami into the round of 16 where they will face Jamaican side Cavalier, beginning with the home leg on March 6th.
The match also saw the unveiling of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy at DRV PNK Stadium. The tournament, featuring Inter Miami, Real Madrid, and Manchester City among others, will be held in the U.S. in June. Inter Miami will open their Club World Cup campaign on June 14th against Al Ahly of Egypt.
First Piper 