Epic Goal from Messi Propels Inter Miami Over Cavalier in Champions Cup Showdown in Jamaica!

Lionel Messi: A Night to Remember in Jamaica Lionel Messi has long stated that his aspiration was simply to become a professional footballer, a humble dream that now leads him to some of the grandest stages in sport. Last Thursday night in Jamaica, he lived out that dream, scoring an unforgettable goal in the dying moments of his debut match on the island. His strike in the 92nd minute propelled Inter Miami past Cavalier FC with a 2-0 victory, solidifying their place in the Champions Cup quarterfinals after a comfortable 4-0 aggregate triumph. Messi's return to active duty, after a three-game hiatus due to fatigue, was certainly a moment most fans were eager to witness. More than 30,000 supporters packed into Kingston's National Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere that echoed the excitement of past legends. "We were all keen to have Leo on the field after his absence, and I think we found the right moment for him to make an impact. He looked sharp and it was a wonderful experience for the fans who came to see him," reflected Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano post-match. Messi's arrival in Jamaica marked a significant footballing event, reminiscent of the days when Brazil's Pele graced the pitch against Cavalier back in ’71. The superstar donned the captain's armband as he entered the fray in the 53rd minute, and while he initially misfired with a chip that sailed over the bar, he soon shook off any cobwebs. The pitches were marred by heavy rains, but with seconds left on the clock, Messi showcased his brilliance, crafting a delightful chip over goalkeeper Vino Barclett, much to the delight of the Jamaican crowd. Notably, Luis Suarez set the stage with a penalty scored in the 37th minute, propelling Miami into a comfortable position before Messi took to the field. This game served as Messi’s first appearance since he aided in Inter Miami's progression past Sporting Kansas City on February 25. The Argentine had been relatively quiet recently, having missed the match against Houston Dynamo and sitting out the first leg against Cavalier. As fans are acutely aware, Messi’s last few games pre-Jamaica spanned a grueling stretch of activity, encompassing eight appearances in just over a month, with a mix of five preseason encounters and regular matches. Mascherano was cautious about risking Messi in a match where Inter Miami played a man down after a red card to goalie Oscar Ustari against Charlotte FC, opting instead to preserve him for this pivotal showdown in Jamaica. Next on the fixture list, Inter Miami will face off against Atlanta United—a team that knocked them out of last year’s MLS Cup playoffs in an unforeseen upset. Following that clash, Messi is set to link up with the Argentina national squad for key World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Upon arrival in Jamaica, the footballing sensation received nothing short of a rockstar welcome, being feted by local authorities including Olivia Grange, the Minister of Culture. He even graced the front covers of local newspapers, with a memorable moment captured of him receiving a Bob Marley T-shirt in celebration of his presence on the island. "It's a fantastic feeling to have played against such an iconic player," commented Cavalier’s coach, Rudolph Speid, encapsulating the spirit of what it meant for Jamaica to host such a sporting legend. As we look forward, the quarterfinal draw awaits, with Inter Miami now set to meet LAFC in early April, as Messi continues to weave his magic both at the club and international level. For the fans in Jamaica, however, the night will forever remain etched in their memories—a tantalizing glimpse of greatness that truly showcased the magic of football. - Resource: "https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2025/03/13/inter-miami-vs-cavalier-live-updates-is-messi-playing-in-jamaica/82375241007/