Messi Strikes in Subzero Weather to Lift Inter Miami Over Sporting Kansas City
Lionel Messi braved frigid conditions to score the match-winner in Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup opening round on Wednesday in Kansas City, Kan.
The game-time temperature was between 7°F and 9°F with a wind-chill factor below zero, making it one of the coldest matches ever played in the competition. Due to extreme weather, the game was postponed from its original date.
How Messi Delivered the Game-Winner
In the 56th minute, Messi showcased his world-class ability, receiving a precise lofted pass from Sergio Busquets near the penalty area. The Argentine:
✅ Controlled the ball with his chest
✅ Took a quick touch to evade a defender
✅ Slotted a right-footed shot into the far corner
With that goal, Messi helped Inter Miami secure a vital away win ahead of the second leg on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Sounders Take Commanding Lead Over Antigua
Seattle Sounders picked up an impressive 3-1 victory against Antigua GFC in Guatemala, scoring twice in the second half to take a strong advantage heading into the second leg in Seattle on Feb. 26.
Seattle’s Goalscorers:
| Player | Goal Minute | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Arriola | 3′ | Opened scoring with a clinical finish |
| Pedro de la Vega | 61′ | Stunning 30-yard strike into the top-right corner |
| Albert Rusnak | 90+5′ | Rolled in a goal after a quick counterattack |
Antigua’s Oscar Santis had equalized in the 24th minute, but Seattle’s second-half dominance put them in control of the tie.
Real Salt Lake Battles to a 0-0 Draw vs. Herediano
Despite five saves from goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, Real Salt Lake managed only a scoreless draw against Herediano in Costa Rica.
- Herediano outshot RSL 18-7, forcing Cabral into multiple key stops.
- Herediano’s Dany Carvajal made two saves to preserve the clean sheet.
- All three yellow cards were issued to Herediano players.
The series will conclude in Sandy, Utah, on Feb. 26, where the winner will advance to face MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy in the round of 16.
Looking Ahead: Second-Leg Matches
The return legs of these matchups will decide which teams advance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup:
📅 Feb. 26 – Seattle Sounders vs. Antigua (Seattle, WA)
📅 Feb. 26 – Real Salt Lake vs. Herediano (Sandy, UT)
📅 Feb. 27 – Inter Miami vs. Sporting KC (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Can Messi and Inter Miami close out their series at home? Will Seattle and RSL capitalize on their first-leg results?
