Two stoppage time goals and a Lionel Messi golazo were enough to push Inter Miami into the round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup after defeating Sporting Kansas City 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Tuesday, winning 4-1 on aggregate. SKC had the better chances for the first half but Miami’s efficiency showed with three goals on only three shots including a giveaway directly to Luis Suarez that he finished while falling down. Messi is picking up right where he left off with goal contributions in three consecutive matches in all competitions and the Herons will be facing Jamaican side Cavalier SC in the next round of CCC play.
These are the kinds of matches that show just how much Miami gain with Messi in the side because the first half of play saw Sporting produce seven shots with three on target while Dejan Joveljic had a shot cleared off the line and another chalked off for offside. But via Messi, Suarez and new signing Tadeo Allende, Miami turned every chance that they got into goals.
Even when the defense looked suspect, Sporting Kansas City couldn’t take advantage while Miami finished their chances which is why the Herons will be in the last 16 of the Champions Cup. The Herons have yet to play a complete game so far under Javier Mascherano but it won’t matter too much with them picking up two victories and a draw in their first three matches.
Next up will be a trip to Houston to face the Dynamo in a match that center back Tomas Aviles will be suspended for due to picking up a red card in league play. But with getting to rest Messi for some of this match and having until Sunday to recover for the clash, Miami will be ready to go.
This is the kind of rotation that will be needed to balance playing in four distinct competitions this season, tied for the most of any team along with the Seattle Sounders. Mascherano is beginning to learn what depth players he can trust, and while the pressure is still on Messi to perform, at 37, he’s showing no sign of slowing down after winning the league MVP award last season.
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