Lionel Messi marked his return to action with a goal as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cavalier FC in Jamaica on Thursday, sealing a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals with a 4-0 aggregate win.
Coming off the bench in the second half, Messi provided a spark to Miami’s attack in his first appearance since February 25 against Sporting Kansas City. The Argentine star had missed three games due to load management, with head coach Javier Mascherano prioritizing his fitness to prevent injuries.
Messi entered in the 53rd minute, replacing Luis Suárez, drawing loud cheers from the crowd at Kingston’s Independence Park. He made his presence felt in the final moments of the match, scoring with a precise strike into the far corner. The goal was assisted by 18-year-old Santiago Morales, a rising talent who made his MLS debut earlier this season.
Ahead of Wednesday’s media session, Mascherano confirmed that Messi would travel with the team to Jamaica but remained tight-lipped about whether the legendary No. 10 would take the field.
“We knew that Leo hadn’t played in the last three or four games,” Mascherano said after Thursday’s match. “Obviously, we wanted him to play, but we needed to find the right moment to put him on the pitch.
“I think it was good because he felt great out there. He scored, and the fans in Jamaica got to see him play. So, overall, a fantastic night for everyone.”
Messi’s first official match in the Caribbean was highly anticipated. Upon arrival at the airport, he and his Inter Miami teammates received a warm welcome from Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.
Cavalier FC, which typically plays in a 3,000-seat stadium, moved the Champions Cup match to Jamaica’s national stadium, boosting capacity to 35,000.
Miami entered the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg at home, courtesy of goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez.
They quickly extended their advantage in the first half of the second leg after earning a penalty when Allende was fouled inside the box. Suárez confidently converted the spot-kick, drilling the ball into the lower left corner.
With the victory, Inter Miami advances to the Champions Cup quarterfinals, where they will face LAFC, who defeated the Columbus Crew in the round of 16.
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