 "Lionel Messi in action against Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park. Image: Reuters")
In bone-chilling conditions, Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains a footballing marvel at age 37, netting the decisive goal in Inter Miami’s 1-0 triumph over Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The first-leg encounter, played at a frostbitten Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, saw the Argentine legend rise to the occasion despite a sub-zero temperature.
Messi scores a stunner
With the game deadlocked well into the second half, Messi found the breakthrough in the 56th minute with a strike that exuded class. Receiving a pinpoint pass from Sergio Busquets, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner controlled the ball effortlessly before dodging his marker and firing a low shot past Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp. The goal not only secured Miami a crucial away win but also handed them a vital advantage heading into next week’s second leg in Florida.
Wednesday’s match had already been postponed by a day due to a powerful winter storm that covered the entire region in snow. When the teams finally took the field, temperatures had plummeted to -17 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest matches in recent memory. Players donned gloves, neck warmers, and thermal gear in an attempt to prevent themselves from the freezing conditions.
Inter Miami , who dominated the MLS Eastern Conference last season, showed their class in the first half with Luis Suarez twice coming close to breaking the deadlock. Despite their attacking efforts, Miami had to wait until Messi’s second-half brilliance to take control of the contest.
With a vital away goal secured, Miami now shifts focus to the return leg, where they will look to capitalise on their home advantage and seal a spot in the Champions Cup last 16. The match is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 26 February.