Inter Miami Advances To CONCACAF Champions Cup Round 16 With Victory Over Sporting Kansas City

Inter Miami secured their place in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night, winning the tie 4-1 on aggregate.

Quick Start for Messi and Miami

The match began on a high note for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi found the back of the net just 19 minutes into the game at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. After scoring the only goal in the first leg in Kansas City, Messi continued his scoring streak, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.

The Argentine superstar received a well-placed chip from his former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez. Given too much space by the Sporting Kansas defense, Messi expertly buried the ball into the bottom corner.

Kansas City’s Disallowed Goal

Sporting Kansas City nearly leveled the score when Dejan Joveljic, a recent signing from Los Angeles Galaxy, managed to round Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, and slot the ball into the net.

However, the joy was short-lived as the goal was ruled offside, leaving Kansas City frustrated and still trailing in the match.

Miami Doubles the Lead

As the first half progressed, Inter Miami continued to apply pressure. In the first minute of stoppage time, Messi turned playmaker, sending Jordi Alba down the left flank. Alba delivered a precise low cross that was met by Tadeo Allende, who finished from close range to double Miami’s advantage.

This goal solidified Miami’s lead for the night and also extended their aggregate score to 3-0, putting them in a commanding position.

Suarez Adds to the Scoreline

Just two minutes later, Inter Miami capitalized on a defensive blunder from Sporting Kansas City. A miskicked clearance from Jacob Davis fell into a dangerous area, and Suarez was quick to react, hooking the bouncing ball into the corner of the net. This goal brought the score to 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate, leaving Kansas City in dire straits.

Kansas City’s Consolation Goal

Despite being down three goals, Sporting Kansas City did not give up.

In the 63rd minute, Memo Rodriguez struck from long range, and his effort deflected off Maximiliano Falcon, finding its way past a wrong-footed Ustari. This goal provided a glimmer of hope for Kansas City, but it was too little, too late.

With this victory, Inter Miami advances to face Jamaican club Cavalier, the Caribbean Cup champions, in the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.