Feb 14, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball against Orlando City in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have an extra 24 hours to prepare for their season opener.
Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match scheduled for Tuesday at Sporting Kansas City was pushed back to Wednesday due to a cold weather advisory and winter storm warning. The Kansas City area is expected to have a wind-chill factor of 15-25 degrees below zero on Tuesday, with snow expected, too.
CONCACAF wrote in a statement, “The decision to reschedule the match has been made to prioritize player and fan safety, and in close coordination with the two participating clubs and the local authorities.”
The postponed match is the first leg of a two-match, total-goal series between the MLS teams in the opening round of this year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup. The return leg is slated for Feb. 25 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The series’ winner will advance to face Jamaica’s Cavalier FC in the Round of 16.
As for Miami’s superstar, new Miami coach Javier Mascherano said, “Messi’s availability is 100 percent and I can guarantee that Leo will play (in Kansas City).”
Inter Miami open the MLS regular season at home against New York City FC on Saturday. Sporting Kansas City will play at Austin FC on Saturday.
–Field Level Media
