Inter Miami CF kicked off their 2025 Champions Cup campaign with a strong performance, securing a 1-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. This match was significant as it marked the first official game managed by head coach Javier Mascherano, and it also saw the debuts of players Gonzalo Luján, Tadeo Allende, and Telasco Segovia for the club. Additionally, offseason signing Maximiliano Falcón was included on the substitutes’ bench.
The team took the field with Óscar Ustari in goal, supported by a solid backline of Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Avilés, and Noah Allen. The midfield featured Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets, while the attack was spearheaded by captain Lionel Messi and striker Luis Suárez.
Messi was pivotal to Inter Miami’s success, scoring the only goal of the match in the 56th minute. After chesting down a long ball from Busquets, he made a deft touch before finding the back of the net with his right foot. This goal marked Messi’s first of the 2025 season. The match showcased Inter Miami’s control of possession, dominating with 59% compared to Sporting Kansas City’s 41%, and they also recorded 11 shots to their opponent’s 7. Ustari’s goalkeeping was noteworthy as he achieved a clean sheet with three crucial saves during the match, contributing to the team’s solid defensive effort.
Mascherano expressed pride in his team’s intensity and attitude following the match, noting their focus as they prepare for their next challenge. The team is set for the second leg of the Champions Cup series against Sporting Kansas City at Chase Stadium next Tuesday, February 25, at 8 p.m. ET. Following this, Inter Miami will open their MLS regular season at home against New York City FC on Saturday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ticket availability for both upcoming matches can be found through the club’s official channels. The team’s encouraging performance in this match sets a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures as they look to build on this momentum in the ongoing season.