Fort Lauderdale: Inter Miami showcased resilience in the absence of Lionel Messi, securing a 2-0 victory against Cavalier SC on Thursday in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 series. Second-half goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez propelled the hosts to a commanding lead at home, setting the stage for the decisive second leg next week.
Messi, the team’s star player, watched from the sidelines after also missing Miami’s recent match in Houston. Coach Javier Mascherano addressed the decision, emphasizing caution over the Argentine legend’s health. “The doctors confirmed he has no injuries or scars, just fatigue from playing three games in six days,” Mascherano explained. “With weather changes and other factors, we opted to rest him to avoid risks. It’s tough not having the world’s best player, but it’s a chance for the team to step up and adapt.”
The match at Fort Lauderdale remained deadlocked until the 61st minute when Allende broke the silence. Following a corner kick, his initial header was thwarted, but the ball ricocheted back to him at the penalty spot after a scramble near the goalpost. Allende capitalized with a powerful left-footed shot through a crowded box, igniting the home crowd. Suarez sealed the win in the 83rd minute, firing a precise 16-yard strike with his left foot to give Inter Miami a two-goal cushion heading into the return leg.
The series will conclude on March 13 in Kingston, Jamaica, where the aggregate score will determine the winner. Before that, Inter Miami faces Charlotte FC in an MLS clash on Sunday. Advancing past Cavalier SC would pit Miami against either Los Angeles FC or the Columbus Crew in the quarterfinals. Despite Messi’s absence, Thursday’s performance underscored the squad’s depth, with Allende and Suarez stepping up to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive. Fans now await the second leg, eager to see if Miami can maintain their momentum on the road.
