Messi Shines on Comeback as Inter Miami Surges Forward in Concacaf Champions Cup! | MLSSoccer.com
Inter Miami CF has sailed into the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup after a confident 2-0 victory (4-0 on aggregate) against Jamaican outfit Cavalier FC in the second leg of their Round-of-16 clash held at National Stadium Independence Park on Thursday. The Herons are set to clash with MLS rivals LAFC, who dispatched the Columbus Crew with a 4-2 aggregate over their own Round of 16 contest. This match saw the eagerly awaited return of superstar Lionel Messi, who made a brief yet impactful appearance in the second half, marking his return to the pitch by scoring a goal after sitting out the first leg for load management. The scoreline of 2-0 was comfortably in hand for Inter Miami, who entered the fixture with a solid 2-0 aggregate advantage. Luis Suรกrez opened the account with his second goal of the series, having previously added an 83rd-minute insurance goal in the first leg. Messi then treated the supporters to a moment of brilliance, finishing off a counterattack with a goal on the final kick of the match, finalising the aggregate scoreline at 4-0. Looking ahead, Inter Miami will return to MLS duties this weekend for a Sunday Night Soccer encounter against Eastern Conference adversaries Atlanta United (7 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). Goals: 37' - MIA - Luis Suรกrez | WATCH 90'+2' - MIA - Lionel Messi | WATCH Resource: "https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/messi-scores-in-return-as-inter-miami-advance-in-concacaf-champions-cup