Lionel Messi did what Lionel Messi does. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner 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 few short days before the 2025 MLS season kicks off, Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami will start their seasons in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup as both sides begin the chase for continental glory.

Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Lionel Messi has completely changed the landscape of Major League Soccer. His goal in 2025 will be to guide the Herons to a league title.