Messi scores off the bench as Miami ease past Cavalier
Having been rested for Miami’s previous three matches, including the first leg, Messi started on the bench but entered the pitch in the 53rd minute to the delight of the crowd at the National Stadium.
Lionel Messi marked his return to action with a late goal as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cavalier in Jamaica, sealing a 4-0 aggregate win to reach the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Having been rested for Miami's previous three matches, including the first leg, Messi started on the bench but entered the pitch in the 53rd minute to the delight of the crowd at the National Stadium. The Argentine added Miami's second with the final kick of the game, latching onto a precise through ball from teenager Santiago Morales before coolly lifting it past Vinco Barclett.
Despite their side's elimination, Jamaican fans cheered Messi's strike, relishing the opportunity to watch the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner play in their country for the first time.
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Miami had approached the match with attacking intent, knowing an away goal would effectively end the tie. Telasco Segovia fired a long-range effort wide early on, while Luis Suárez came close with a well-struck volley from a tight angle.
The visitors suffered a setback when David Ruiz was forced off through injury, with Benjamin Cremaschi replacing him in midfield. However, they remained in control and broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Tadeo Allende was brought down in the box by Christopher Ainsworth. Referee Keylor Villalobos immediately pointed to the spot, and Suárez confidently converted the penalty, giving Miami a 3-0 lead on aggregate and all but confirming their place in the next round.
Cavalier, featuring several promising young talents, continued to battle despite the odds. Substitute Kaile Auvray came closest to scoring for the hosts, cutting in from the left before forcing a sharp near-post save from Oscar Ustari.
But in the closing moments, Messi provided the perfect finish to Miami's dominant display, ensuring their progression to the quarterfinals where they will face Los Angeles FC in an all-MLS clash.
