A Lionel Messi goal vs Sporting KC in single-digit temperatures proved to be the difference in Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup matchup on Wednesday.
Rumors had circulated throughout the week that Messi wanted to avoid playing in the freezing weather. The gossip was only exacerbated after the game was pushed back from Tuesday to Wednesday due to inclement weather and snow.
The temperature at kickoff for Wednesday’s game was four degrees fahrenheit.
Messi proved that not even cold temperatures can slow his game as he scored the game’s lone goal in the 56th minute. Sergio Busquets found Messi with a precise ball into the box. The Argentine then perfectly controlled the ball with his chest, took a touch and finished with his weak foot.
Messi goal vs Sporting KC
MESSI SCORES TO BREAK THE DEADLOCK FOR MIAMI! pic.twitter.com/1JsnQCU5G6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 20, 2025
Another look at Messi's goal off the ball from Busquets pic.twitter.com/YfqDmzp1gb
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 20, 2025
That control with the chest was ice cold, and not just because of the negative eight degrees wind chill.
Sporting KC didn’t provide a warm welcome with a crunching challenge on Messi just minutes into the game.
Messi goes down after this challenge pic.twitter.com/Xmqyv0MJNn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 20, 2025
Miami would have the last laugh with the 1-0 win and a precious away goal. The second leg will be played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
The winner of the tie will advance to the Round of 16 and play Cavalier FC of the Jamaica Premier League.
