In an exciting match in Kingston, Jamaica, Inter Miami emerged victorious over Cavalier SC with a 2-0 win, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Renéowned football stars Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were instrumental in the win. The match saw 38-year-old Suarez from Uruguay scoring first with a penalty in the 37th minute, which set the stage for Messi’s impact in the second half.
Entering the game after halftime, Messi added to the score sheet during stoppage time, leading the MLS club to a 4-0 aggregate triumph and advancing them further in the tournament.
Inter Miami’s next challenge will be against Los Angeles FC, as they aim to reach the semifinal stage for the first time in this prestigious competition.
Messi’s appearance was uncertain up until the last minute due to fatigue issues, which had sidelined him in the previous three matches. However, coach Javier Mascherano made the strategic decision to include him, and it proved to be a rewarding choice.
“We wanted to wait for the right moment to play him, and this was it,” Mascherano commented. “He felt good, and it was a memorable evening for everyone involved, especially for fans in Jamaica who finally got to witness Messi play.”
Messi’s debut in the Caribbean drew widespread anticipation and was marked by a warm welcome from local dignitaries, including Olivia Grange, the country’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, who greeted the Argentine superstar and his teammates on their arrival.
The match, initially earmarked for a smaller venue, had to be relocated to Jamaica’s National Stadium, boasting 35,000 seats, to accommodate the massive interest from fans.
Mascherano praised the atmosphere, saying, “The people were incredible, very welcoming. I’m pleased with our performance. It was a significant step forward for us.”
The highlight for local supporters came when Messi drove home a close-range shot from Santiago Morales’s cross near the match’s conclusion, delighting the crowd and sealing the victory for Inter Miami.
