Lionel Messi makes return to pitch with a goal as Inter Miami advance to Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals

More than two hours before the Independence Park, fans were aware of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 collision with Cavalier SC in the hope of catching a glimpse of Lionel Messi during a 2-0 victory (4-0 over aggregate) for Miami to go to the quarterfinals.

Fans had to wait longer than expected, but when he dropped his warm-up bib on hymns from “Messi, Messi, Messi” to replace Luis Suarez in the 52nd minute, the stadium broke out in Cheers When Messi had its first playing time since 25 February against sporting Kansas Cup Play. Messi would make it worth waiting by scoring in a stopping time with the last staircase on a cherry on top of the progress and his series scoring or helping in all five performances for the herons in all competitions this season.

During that time, Miami was able to win three consecutive games that scored seven goals and only show that they have generally become stronger, even when Messi does not play. But with a revenge match at the weekend where they are dealing with an Atlanta United side that has beaten them out of the MLS Cup -Play -offs in the first round last season, playing Messi will help to hit a little rust here before he then leaves for international duty with Argentina for the qualification of the World Cup.

Luis Suarez opened the score with a powerful finish of the penalty place after Tadeo Allende was polluted in the 37th minute and Miami gave a completely excellent road to make this collision out of reach.

It remains an unbeaten start under new Javier Mascherano manager, even without their Talisman for three of those competitions. He missed the team in two games because of load management, but returned to the bank in the weekend opposite Charlotte FC.

Although Miami went to 10 men in that match, they could continue in the first half, so he was not used and did the same opposite Cavalier in Jamaica. It was a slow start of the competition, because heavy rain created a less than ideal pitch earlier in the day, but Miami could get their opener via Suarez for a lead they would not leave.

Although it is impressive to see the victories, it is also impressive that this Miami side has only allowed four goals in seven games in all competitions, where part of it is due to the shift of Noah all from the left back to a middle back. Able to bring the ball to the field, all has been able to help the pace in the attack pushing and at the same time a strong presence in the responsibilities of Defense balancing is good.

When Messi came in, Suarez and Sergio Busquets were also equipped after they were heavily leaning on during his absence. It can be short for the duo, but in a long season where Miami participates in three competitions outside the competition, every time players can be equipped, a long way will be equipped. Their depth held a hit with David Ruiz, who only loved an injury for 15 minutes, but looms up with the international break, if it is not too serious, he has time to recover.

For now, the pressure on other teams is to show that they can stop the herons, even in unfavorable circumstances, they get the job done. Only the time will learn whether they can keep up with this pace, but after establishing an MLS Single-Season points record with 74 points last season, it is already clear that this is a special group, so if they are capable of things from there, several trophies will be in their future.