In an impressive display, Inter Miami secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by defeating Jamaica’s Cavalier SC 2-0 on Thursday. The aggregate score of the matchup sees the Major League Soccer (MLS) club through to the next round with a commanding 4-0 total.

Match Highlights

The match saw veteran striker Luis Suarez score early, converting a penalty in the 11th minute. Superstar Lionel Messi, making his anticipated debut in the Caribbean for an official match, impressed fans by scoring in stoppage time after an assist from Santiago Morales.

Coaching Insights

Following the match, Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano shared his insight into Messi’s game time, noting, “Lio was not playing (regularly) for the last three or four games. We want him playing, but we wanted to find the moment to send him onto the pitch, and it was the right one.” He added, “He felt good, and people in Jamaica could see him. It was a great night for all.”

Atmosphere and Fan Engagement

The match environment was enhanced by the local fans, who showcased their enthusiasm throughout the game. The Jamaican club relocated the Champions Cup match to the National Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 35,000, much larger than their usual 3,000-seat home ground. This decision was made to accommodate the surge of fans eager to see Messi play for the first time in Jamaica.

Coach Mascherano commented on the warm reception, stating, “The people were great with us and very nice. I’m happy with the level that we showed — we took a big step forward.”

Upcoming Challenges

With this victory, Inter Miami is set to face Los Angeles FC in the upcoming quarterfinal for a chance to reach the semifinals for the first time in the club’s history. This next round promises to be another exciting challenge as Inter Miami continues its campaign in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.