Messi Scores on Return as Miami Reach Champions Cup last 8

Lionel Messi marked his return from a brief absence with a goal as Inter Miami defeated Cavalier FC 2-0 in Jamaica on Thursday, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory and a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals. Messi’s appearance, his first since February 25th, generated significant excitement in Kingston.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, had missed Inter Miami’s previous three matches due to load management, a decision emphasized by head coach Javier Mascherano to prevent potential injury. He entered the match as a 53rd-minute substitute for Luis Suárez, receiving a loud ovation from the crowd at Independence Park.

The Argentine superstar made an immediate impact. Seconds before the final whistle, Messi scored, rocketing the ball to opposite corner. The assist came from 18 year old, Santiago Morales.

Inter Miami entered the match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of goals from Tadeo Allende and Suárez. They extended their aggregate lead in the first half of the second leg when Suárez converted a penalty, awarded for a foul on Allende.

“We knew that Leo wasn’t playing for the last three or four games,” Mascherano said after the match. “Obviously we wanted him playing but we need to know and to find the moment to send him to the pitch. I think it was good because he felt very good on the pitch. He could score. The people in Jamaica could see him. So great, great night for everyone.”

Messi’s first visit to the Caribbean for an official match was a highly anticipated event. The team was greeted upon arrival at the airport by Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Cavalier FC, who normally play in a 3,000-seat stadium, moved the Champions Cup match to the country’s national stadium (capacity: 35,000) to accommodate the expected demand.

Inter Miami will now face LAFC in the quarter-finals, after the MLS Western Conference team defeated the Columbus Crew in the round of 16. The match showcased Messi’s enduring quality and Inter Miami’s progression in the continental competition.