Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action, scoring a late goal as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cavalier FC in Jamaica on Thursday, advancing to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals with a commanding 4-0 aggregate win.
The former Barcelona legend missing three games due to load management, Messi entered the match in the 53rd minute, replacing Luis Suárez to roaring cheers from the crowd at Kingston’s Independence Park. His return marked his first appearance since February 25 against Sporting Kansas City.
Despite limited minutes, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wasted no time making an impact. Just before the final whistle,
Messi fired a precise shot into the far corner, sealing Miami’s win. The goal came from an assist by 18-year-old homegrown talent Santiago Morales, who continues to impress in his early MLS career.
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Miami head coach Javier Mascherano had hinted at Messi’s possible return but remained cautious about rushing him back. After the game, Mascherano praised Messi’s performance:
“We knew he wasn’t playing for a few games, but we needed to find the right moment. It was great to see him feeling good on the pitch, scoring, and giving the fans in Jamaica a special moment.”
Messi’s first official match in the Caribbean was highly anticipated, with the team receiving a warm welcome from Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, upon arrival.
Miami Dominates Over Two Legs
Inter Miami came into the match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez.
They quickly extended the lead in the first half when Allende won a penalty, which Suárez confidently converted into the lower left corner.
Cavalier FC, which typically plays in a 3,000-seat stadium, moved the match to Jamaica’s national stadium (35,000 capacity) to accommodate the overwhelming demand to see Messi and Miami in action.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
With the victory, Inter Miami advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face LAFC, who edged out Columbus Crew in the round of 16.
As Messi regains full fitness, Miami fans will be eager to see him lead the team deeper into the Concacaf Champions Cup, chasing their first major international title.
