Inter Miami are through to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup after defeating Sporting KC in both legs, led by Lionel Messi. This is a massive boost for the Herons to get their 2025 season underway.
Inter Miami’s promising 2024 campaign came to a screeching halt after they lost to Atlanta United FC in round one of the Major League Soccer Cup playoffs. They were one of the favourites to win the whole thing after dominating the Eastern Conference with 74 points. Instead, they saw LA Galaxy win their sixth league title, so the Herons are back to square one.
The Herons aim to add more silverware to their trophy case, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup gives them a unique opportunity to do so, according to the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 odds.
In case you missed it, fret not, as SBOTOP has you covered with the latest CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 updates.
Inter Miami advance to the Round of 16
Lionel Messi reminded everyone of his GOAT credentials by carrying the Herons to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The 37-year-old forward scored twice in the Herons’ two-legged tie against Sporting KC.
The first leg at Children’s Mercy Park was rather boring, as the two sides only had 16 shots combined. However, Messi’s goal near the hour mark made the difference and gave Inter Miami confidence ahead of the second leg.
Inter Miami dominated the second leg at the Chase Stadium, as Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, and Luis Suarez scored in the first half to put the tie away. Memo Rodriguez scored the consolation goal for Sporting KC to prevent a clean sheet.
Messi’s goal in the second leg was a wonderful left-footed volley from Suarez’s assist. Sporting KC left Messi unmarked inside the box, so he made them pay. Dejan Joveljic almost scored the equaliser for Sporting KC but was blocked by Maximiliano Falcon. His goal in the 40th minute was waved off due to offside.
Jordi Alba slipped the ball into the box to tee up Tadeo Allende, and Luis Suarez converted another one before halftime to put the Herons in the driver’s seat for good.
Inter Miami will take on Jamaican club Cavalier in the Round of 16 on March 6, with the return match the following week. Lionel Messi and co. hope to become the third Major League Soccer side to claim the CONCACAF Champions Cup this century. Pachuca are the defending champions after outclassing Columbus Crew 3-0 in last year’s final.
Messi and Suarez fined for inappropriate conduct
Inter Miami needed the win against Sporting KC since they were fresh from a 2-2 draw against New York City in their first Major League Soccer match this season. The Herons played on the back foot, as they were reduced to 10 men following Tomas Aviles’ red card before the half-hour mark.
The Herons were down 2-1, as Mitja Ilenic and Alonso Martinez scored for New York City. However, they salvaged a point, as Telasco Segovia scored in stoppage time. As expected, Lionel Messi had a hand in his team’s goals, recording two assists.
Major League Soccer fined Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for violating the “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” rule after the final whistle. Messi grabbed the back of Mehdi Ballouchy’s neck, though the New York City assistant didn’t retaliate. In Suarez’s case, the veteran striker was sanctioned for touching Birk Risa on his neck during a heated argument just seconds after the referees signaled for halftime.
Despite these violations, Messi and Suarez aren’t expected to miss matches for Inter Miami. The Herons will square off against Houston Dynamo FC on the second matchday of the 2025 campaign.
LAFC join Inter Miami in the next round
LAFC are also through to the next round after beating Colorado via an aggregate tally of 2-2. After losing 2-1 in the first leg last week, LAFC won 1-0 in the return leg, courtesy of Mark Delgado’s goal. The Black and Gold won the tie because of the away goal scored by Aaron Long during the first leg.
Before this, LAFC secured their first league victory of the 2025 campaign, beating Minnesota 1-0 last Sunday at the BMO Stadium, courtesy of Jeremy Ebobisse’s second-half score.
The Black and Gold are up for a tough challenge in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 since they’re up against Columbus Crew, winners of the 2023 MLS Cup. LAFC are playing in the tournament for the third time in six seasons and made the final on their two previous trips.
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