Watch: Lionel Messi silences Cavalier after late strike sends Inter Miami into Champions Cup quarters | Football News
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi controls the ball during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match. (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action on Thursday night, coming off the bench to score Inter Miami’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over Jamaica’s Cavalier FC. The win sealed a 4-0 aggregate triumph and booked Miami’s place in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.Rested for Miami’s last three outings, including the first leg of this tie, Messi entered in the 53rd minute to roars from a sold-out crowd at Kingston’s National Stadium — many of whom came just to witness the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner grace Jamaican soil for the first time.The Argentine didn’t disappoint. With the final kick of the match, Messi latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from 16-year-old Santiago Morales and coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Vinco Barclett, triggering celebrations from both Miami fans and local supporters thrilled just to see the legend in action.Watch:Luis Suárez opened the scoring in the 37th minute, converting a penalty after Tadeo Allende was brought down in the box. That strike gave Miami a comfortable 3-0 cushion on aggregate, allowing them to manage the game with composure despite losing David Ruiz to injury.Cavalier, fielding a youthful and energetic squad, showed heart throughout. Substitute Kaile Auvray came closest to pulling one back, forcing a sharp near-post save from Inter keeper Oscar Ustari.Post-match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s impact: “He felt very good, he scored, the Jamaican people could see him — it was a great night for everyone.”Despite the defeat, Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid was proud of his team: “The atmosphere was electrifying… Our performance was nothing to be ashamed of.”Inter Miami will now face Los Angeles FC in an all-MLS quarter-final showdown.Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
