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If Lionel Messi was fazed by the subzero temperatures in Kansas City, he didn't show it. In one of the coldest matches of his career, the Argentine delivered yet another moment of magic, leadingInter Miamito a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday night.
With the thermometer hovering around 3°F (-16°C) at kickoff, both teams had to battle more than just their opponents. The icy field and the biting wind made for difficult conditions, but the atmosphere at Children's Mercy Park was anything but cold. The 15,000-plus fans packed into the stadium roared their , willing their team to hold firm against a star-studded Miami side.
For much of the first half, both teams played cautiously, adjusting to the slick surface. Sporting KC pressed aggressively, while Inter Miami relied on patience in possession. Chances were scarce, but the game was finely balanced-until Messi took matters into his own hands.
In the 56th minute, Sergio Busquets, his longtime partner-in-crime, spotted Messi making a run inside the box and sent a delicate lobbed into his path. With the kind of control that only he possesses, Messi brought the ball down effortlessly, took a touch to shake off his marker, and then, with his weaker right foot, curled a precise shot past John Pulskamp and into the far corner.
Messi's moment of brilliance puts Miami in control
The goal was vintage Messi-graceful, clinical, and perfectly timed. It also gave Inter Miami a crucial advantage, especially with the away-goal rule in effect. For new head coach Javier Mascherano, the win marked an ideal start to his tenure, adding confidence ahead of their MLS opener against New York City FC.
Sporting KC had their moments, particularly through Erik Thommy and Dejan Jovelji, but they couldn't find a way past Oscar Ustari in goal. Now, they'll have to regroup quickly and prepare for a must-win second leg in Miami on February 25.
For Messi, this match set yet another milestone: his coldest professional game ever, suring previous Champions League encounters in Russia and Ukraine. But as he proved once again, it doesn't matter if it's scorching or freezing-when he's on the pitch, he's the one setting the temperature.