Inter Miami

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s first competitive match of the 2025 season was one for the books. And, of course, autograph worthy.

The final whistle of Inter Miami CF’s Concacaf Champions Cup match against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night at Children's Mercy Park saw a referee ask Lionel Messi for his autograph, forcing Concacaf to put out a statement to confirm their disciplinary action against the official.

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.

Hold your horses, Inter Miami.

As Major League Soccer continues to grow in both popularity and market value, several franchises have emerged as the most valuable in 2025.

With the arrivals of top players to the league, as well as the emergence of new expansion clubs and numerous investments from the 30 teams in MLS, club-values have skyrocketed in the last decade, with multiple teams in the United States becoming some of the most valuable in Latin America.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set for a challenging and potentially historic encounter as they face Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup — and not exactly for its exciting head-to-head entertainment potential. Get ready for snow, Messi.

Inter Miami and Sporting KC Concacaf Champions Cup match to be played under snow

According to reports, the match between Kansas City and Miami on Tuesday will be held under potentially freezing conditions, with the forecast predicting temperatures as low as 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

MLS is going big.

Major League Soccer is reportedly considering a significant change to its season schedule, potentially shifting its traditional February-to-November (or Spring-Fall) calendar to align with the European model of August-to-May (Fall-Spring).

According to MLSMoves on X, Sportico spoke to representatives from two dozen MLS teams that expressed overwhelming support for this move. The shift, if it was to be confirmed, would likely take effect in the Fall of 2026, coinciding with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Inter Miami and Messi fans won't like this one.

New York City FC's supporters group, Third Rail, received the prestigious "Best Tifo of the Year" award from the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) for their "Don't Be Plastic!" Barbie-themed tifo, unveiled during the club's 2024 MLS Season home match against Inter Miami.

You won't be seeing a whole lot of Messi, U.S. Open Cup fans.

Inter Miami is almost confirmed to be one of 11 MLS teams not participating in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, as the tournament will only feature 16 MLS clubs, Inter Miami insider reporter José Armando reports.

Inter Miami OUT of U.S. Open Cup in 2025; will play Concacaf Champions Cup

The teams participating in the domestic cup competition will automatically be placed into the Round of 32, which is reportedly set to take place on May 6-7.

Lionel Messi’s first 2025 preseason performance for Inter Miami against Club América in Las Vegas quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the match—not just for his goal, but for a viral celebration that sent a clear message to the fans in the stands. Like we’ve never seen him before.

Watch: Messi goal vs. Club América

In the 34th minute of the friendly held at Allegiant Stadium, Messi scored the equalizer for Inter Miami with a perfectly placed header, leveling the score at 1-1. Easiest goal of his career.