Lionel Messi once again showcased his brilliance on the field, overcoming extreme conditions during Inter Miami’s first-leg match in the Concacaf Champions Cup. In freezing temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, he scored a stunning goal that secured a 1-0 victory against Sporting KC in his season debut.
The Argentine star played the entire match, bringing his total to 35 goals and 18 assists in 40 games for Miami. His technical mastery and unwavering commitment once again proved decisive in a game marked by harsh weather conditions.
Mascherano praises the team’s resilience
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, praised his players for their effort in overcoming the extreme cold and difficult pitch conditions due to heavy snowfall. He emphasized the team’s discipline and ability to handle challenging moments in the game:
“The guys made an enormous effort today. It was very difficult to play in these conditions, but we are satisfied because the team stayed organized and never lost its identity. Keeping a clean sheet was crucial, knowing that we have players who can make the difference up front.”
Messi himself acknowledged the difficulty of playing in such extreme cold:
“I had never experienced anything like this. After just five minutes, we couldn’t feel our feet anymore. Football requires sensitivity in movement, and it was a real challenge. But we adapted thanks to the attitude and determination of the players.”
A packed schedule for Miami
After this Concacaf victory, Inter Miami is now preparing for its MLS season opener against New York City on Saturday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. (local time) at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The team will then face Sporting KC again in the second leg on Tuesday, February 25, at 8:00 p.m., meaning Miami will play three games in less than a week.
Mascherano stressed the importance of recovery before these crucial fixtures:
“We are at halftime in this first-round matchup, and now we need to recover after such a tough game. We are looking forward to the MLS season opener on Saturday.”
Miami will also benefit from the return of Jordi Alba, who missed the Kansas City game due to a suspension following a red card in last season’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against Monterrey. His presence could be a key asset against New York City.
With Messi in top form and a determined squad, Inter Miami is aiming to excel in both Concacaf Champions Cup and Major League Soccer as they embark on a challenging yet promising season.