Lionel Messi scored in his Inter Miami CF return Thursday night, helping book a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals after a three-game absence due to load management.
Messi subbed on for fellow goalscorer Luis Suárez in the 53rd minute, then iced the 2-0 victory (4-0 aggregate) over Jamaica's Cavalier FC by converting a first-time shot from Santiago Morales' through ball in second-half stoppage time.
Messi has scored three goals in this year's Concacaf Champions Cup, including in both Round One legs as Miami eliminated Sporting Kansas City 4-1 on aggregate.
With the victory, Miami will battle LAFC in a quarterfinal matchup next month. The MLS Western Conference powerhouse topped the Columbus Crew in their Round of 16 series by a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.
Miami now turn to a marquee Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire clash at Atlanta United (7 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+) on MLS Matchday 4.
