Lionel Messi defied the freezing temperatures to score the decisive goal in Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in their CONCACAF Champions Cup first-leg clash on Wednesday.
The Argentine legend struck in the 56th minute, showcasing his trademark skill before firing a low, angled shot past Sporting goalkeeper John Pulskamp at Children’s Mercy Park. The result gives Miami a crucial away goal heading into next Tuesday’s second leg in Florida.
The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was delayed by 24 hours after a winter storm blanketed the region in snow and sent temperatures plummeting. Even after the rescheduling, the kickoff temperature was a bone-chilling -17°C (1°F).
Despite the harsh conditions, Messi and his Miami teammates adapted, wearing gloves, neck warmers, and full-length leggings to brave the cold.
Kansas City, who finished near the bottom of the MLS Western Conference last season, struggled to match Miami’s technical dominance. Luis Suarez came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute and again in the 35th, narrowly missing the target both times.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets lofted a perfect cross-field pass into the box. Messi controlled it effortlessly on his chest, shifted past Erik Thommy with a deft touch, and drilled a precise shot into the far corner.
With the narrow win, Miami heads into the return leg in Florida with a valuable advantage as they aim to secure a spot in the last 16.
