Messi scores in return as Inter Miami advance in Concacaf Champions Cup | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

Lionel Messi scored in his Inter Miami CF return Thursday night, helping book a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, after a three-game absence due to load management.

Messi subbed on for fellow goalscorer Luis Suárez in the 53rd minute, then iced the 2-0 victory (4-0 aggregate) over Jamaica's Cavalier FC by converting a first-time shot from Santiago Morales' through ball in second-half stoppage time.

Lionel Messi

Forward · Inter Miami CF

Messi has scored three goals in this year's Concacaf Champions Cup, including in both Round One legs as Miami eliminated Sporting Kansas City 4-1 on aggregate.

With the victory, Miami will battle LAFC in a quarterfinal matchup next month. The MLS Western Conference powerhouse topped the Columbus Crew in their Round of 16 series by a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.

Miami now turn to a marquee Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire clash at Atlanta United (7 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+) on MLS Matchday 4.