Messi Makes Festive & Triumphant Return In Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica—Lionel Messi’s return to action at National Stadium was festive and triumphant, with Messi scoring a goal in Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over Cavalier FC. Luis Suarez scored the Heron’s initial goal via penalty kick in the first half, leading the Herons to the Quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Starting XI

Javier Mascherano opted to bring Lionel Messi off the bench after he had missed three prior matches due to “load management.” Oscar Ustari started in goal with Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maxi Falcon and Ian Fray forming the backline. Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia and Federico Redondo in the midfield. Tadeo Allende, Luis Suarez, and David Ruiz the attacking frontline.

Lionel #Messi will come off the bench if he is to see action tonight 🆚 Cavalier FC… Masch refreshes the lineup in Jamaica 🇯🇲 … #MLS #InterMiamiCF https://t.co/9twICgoBXC

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 13, 2025

Suarez and Messi

Luis Suarez gave Inter Miami CF the lead in the 37th minute via a penalty kick after Tadeo Allende was fouled in the box. “El Pistolero” calmly lined up and fired a shot to the corner of the Cavalier FC net for the 1-0 lead.

“El Pistolero” gives #InterMiamiCF the lead in Jamaica 🇯🇲…#MLS
pic.twitter.com/PIVtpx3rSP

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 14, 2025

In the second half, the moment everyone in attendance had been waiting for happened, Lionel Messi entered the match in the 53rd minute to a loud ovation. National Stadium’s already festive atmosphere was taken to another level as the King of Futbol came to conquer Jamaican hearts.

The King 👑 of hearts everywhere he steps foot on the pitch…The GOAT 🐐 #MLS #InterMiamiCF #Messi #Messi𓃵 https://t.co/NbZS74jh6W

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 14, 2025

The crowd detailed Messi’s every move, and in stoppage time he gave them what they all came to see, a goal. Santi Morales sliced a piercing assist behind the defense for a perfectly timed Messi run. Lionel won the defender’s back and touched the ball past the charging goalkeeper to put it perfectly in the corner for the final 2-0 scoreline. The stadium vibed together with one love for the one King of Futbol.

Santi Morales dishes the nice ball ⚽️ behind the Cavalier defense & the Goat 🐐 Lionel #Messi returns to action with a goal for the 2-0 score line late in the match…#MLS #InterMiamiCF
pic.twitter.com/2Qv0leUT7l

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) March 14, 2025

Quarterfinals

The Herons advanced to the Quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and will face a tough LAFC squad. The West Coast squad presents a mighty challenge for Inter Miami with veterans like goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Denis Bouanga, and Olivier Giroud. The first-leg will be played in LA with the second-leg at Chase Stadium. Messi and The Fantastics are on a mission to conquer CONCACAF, and their next stop takes them through LAFC. It should be an epic battle of MLS top-tier teams.

Quarterfinals bound 🚀

We’re into the final 8 of the @TheChampions and set to face LAFC in the next round. The dream continues 💪

Secure your tickets here: https://t.co/raje8MbIVJ pic.twitter.com/LToBjNkIZv

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 14, 2025