Inter Miami Defeats Sporting KC 1-0 in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Lionel Messi Scores in the 56th Minute
Lionel Messi scored from the right side of the box in the 56th minute to lift Inter Miami past Sporting Kansas City 1-0 on a bitterly cold Wednesday night in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s first round.
A Tough Matchup on a Hard, Slick Field
Both teams struggled to find consistency on the hard, slick field for much of the night in front of 15,178 bundled-up fans at Children’s Mercy Park, where the game-time temperature was 3 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 16 Celsius) with a wind speed of 9 mph, resulting in a wind chill of minus 11 Fahrenheit (minus 24 Celsius).
Messi Scores on a Beautiful Individual Effort
On his goal, Messi collected a pass from Sergio Busquels, let it fall to his feet, eluded the nearest defender and then fired it past Sporting KC keeper John Pulskamp.
Sporting KC’s Chances Fall Short
Sporting KC stayed on the front foot the rest of the game in an attempt to tie the match, but Oscar Ustari stopped both of the team’s second-half shots on goal. The best chance came when Dániel Sallói got open behind the Miami defense, but his shot attempt was right at Ustari.
Erik Thommy’s Attempt Hits the Post
Erik Thommy’s attempt to tie it in the 78th minute hit off the left post, but it wouldn’t have counted as Sallói was ruled offside.
Early Chances Missed
Inter Miami nearly took an early lead, but Luis Suarez’s shot from just inside the box went wide. Inter Miami had another opportunity in the 33rd minute, but Tadeo Allende’s shot, coming off a lob from Messi, was wide.
Sporting KC Misses a Chance
Sporting KC missed a chance to grab the lead off a corner kick in the 36th minute, but Dany Rosero’s header was left of the target.
The Final Score
Miami held a slight edge in the first-half stats, taking seven shots compared to Sporting KC’s three. Miami had a 60% advantage in possession.
The Second Leg
The clubs play the second leg Tuesday in Miami.
Expert Analysis
Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard shares his thoughts on how MLS goalkeepers can stop Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.
Conclusion
Inter Miami’s 1-0 win over Sporting KC sets the stage for a thrilling second leg, with the tie hanging in the balance. Messi’s individual effort was the difference-maker, but both teams will need to regroup and refocus for the second leg.
FAQs
- What was the score in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup match between Inter Miami and Sporting KC?
- Inter Miami won 1-0, with Lionel Messi scoring the only goal.
- What was the score at halftime?
- The score was 0-0 at halftime.
- How many shots did Inter Miami take compared to Sporting KC in the first half?
- Inter Miami took seven shots, while Sporting KC took three.
- When is the second leg of the match?
- The second leg is set for Tuesday in Miami.
