Argentine superstar Lionel Messi marked the start of his trek toward a historic appearance in Jamaica next month with a decisive performance, scoring the only goal in Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City on Wednesday. The goal came in the 56th minute of the first leg of their Round 1 series in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Messi’s strike, assisted by teammate Sergio Busquets,was his first right-footed goal in club competition since 2019, when he scored with his right foot in the UEFA Champions League against Manchester United during his time with FC Barcelona. The goal also added another chapter to his long-standing partnership with Busquets, as the duo has been involved in 17 of Busquets’ last 29 assists across all competitions for both Barcelona and Inter Miami, dating back to March 2016.

While Messi’s brilliance stole the show, Jamaican international Ian Fray, who is part of the Inter Miami squad, remained an unused substitute during the match.

The victory marks a crucial away win for Inter Miami, giving them a slender advantage heading into the return leg in Florida next Tuesday, with the winner of the aggregate series set to advance to the Round of 16 against Jamaican Premier League champions Cavalier on March 5 and 13. The second leg of that clash will be held at the National Stadium on March 13 at 7 PM.

In other CONCACAF Champions Cup action, MLS side FC Cincinnati put on an impressive performance, defeating Honduran side FC Motagua 4-1 away. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders FC secured a 3-1 away win against Antigua GFC in Guatemala. In a tightly contested match, CS Herediano and Real Salt Lake played to a goalless draw in San José, Costa Rica.