Inter Miami have advanced to the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Lionel Messi sparked wild celebrations among fans during his first appearance in Jamaica.
Inter Miami won 2-0 away against Jamaica’s capital city club Cavalier SC Kingston in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16, thus reaching the quarter-finals of the competition. Cavalier SC Kingston plays in a small stadium in front of a maximum of 3,000 fans in the league. For Lionel Messi’s appearance, the club moved to the 35,000-capacity national stadium in the capital, Kingston.
However, the spectators had to wait until the 53rd minute before the Argentine world champion came on for Luis Suarez from the bench. The 37-year-old had missed three consecutive games, but after the short breather he was fully present for his first game ever in Jamaica and scored the goal to make the final score (90.+2).
“He felt very good, he scored, the Jamaicans got to see him play – it was a great night for everyone,” said Messi’s coach Javier Mascherano. Luis Suarez (37th minute) had put Miami in front from the penalty spot and on course for the quarter-finals. However, the fans – and probably the hosts’ coach too – were eagerly awaiting Messi’s appearance. ”It was electric. People came here to see Messi somehow. When he came on the field, I made a few changes to calm everyone down, but I knew there would be an effect,” said Rudolph Speid.
Miami had already won the first leg 2-0, with Messi absent from the match. Miami and Messi will continue in the Champions Cup against Los Angeles FC. The first leg will be played in Los Angeles, California, between April 1 and 3, with the return leg at home at Chase Stadium between April 8 and 10. To round off the week, Inter Miami will play Atlanta United in the regular MLS season on Sunday night (0:00 German time).