Lionel Messi Nets Stunning Goal In Freezing -17°C During Sporting KC Vs Inter Miami Champions Cup Clash; Video

Lionel Messi braved sub-zero temperatures to score the winning goal for Inter Miami in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday. According to a report by Sports Illustrated, the match could potentially be the coldest soccer game on record.

Despite the harsh weather, Messi delivered a moment of brilliance in the 56th minute. Showcasing his trademark dribbling skills, he maneuvered past defenders before firing a low, precise shot past Sporting KC’s goalkeeper, John Pulskamp. The goal, secured a crucial away victory for Inter Miami, giving them an advantage ahead of the second leg in Florida next Tuesday.

The highly anticipated clash, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed by 24 hours due to an arctic storm that blanketed the region with snow and sent temperatures plummeting. When the game finally kicked off at Children’s Mercy Park, players from both teams were seen wearing gloves, neck warmers, and full-length leggings to battle the icy conditions.

Sporting KC vs Inter Miami match highlights

Inter Miami could have taken the lead earlier in the game, but Luis Suárez missed an opportunity from inside the box. Another chance came in the 33rd minute when Tadeo Allende, following a lobbed pass from Messi, narrowly missed the target. Sporting KC also had a promising moment in the 36th minute, but Dany Rosero’s header from a corner went wide.

Sporting Kansas City made several attempts to find an equalizer but were denied by Miami's goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari. Their best chance came when Dániel Sallói broke free behind the Miami defense, but his shot went straight at Ustari. In the 78th minute, Erik Thommy nearly leveled the score, but his shot struck the left post, only for the offside flag to be raised.

The victory not only strengthens Inter Miami’s chances of advancing to the last 16 but also highlights their dominance, as they finished last season as the top team in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference with a record 74 points. In contrast, Sporting KC had a disappointing campaign, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference with just eight wins in 34 matches.

With the second leg set to take place in Florida next week, Inter Miami will look to capitalize on their advantage and secure a spot in the next round of the competition.