Football fans in Jamaica could witness Lionel Messi play on the island for the first time, as Inter Miami CF is set to face Jamaica’s Cavalier SC in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. The first leg of the tie is scheduled for March 6, with the return leg set to take place in Jamaica on March 13.

Inter Miami secured their place in the next round with an impressive 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of their Round One series at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday. The result gave them a 4-1 aggregate win in the series.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 19th minute, executing a brilliant left-footed volley from the edge of the box after controlling a pinpoint cross from Luis Suárez with his chest. The assist marked a milestone for the legendary duo, as it was the 100th goal they have combined on in all competitions, with Suárez assisting Messi for the 55th time.

Inter Miami took full control of the match with two quick goals in added time before the first half ended. Tadeo Allende found the back of the net in the 45’+1, followed by Suárez himself scoring in the 45’+3 to extend the lead to 3-0.

Sporting Kansas City managed to pull one back in the 63rd minute through Memo Rodríguez, who unleashed a long-range right-footed strike to beat the goalkeeper, but it was only a consolation as Miami held firm for the win.

With the victory, Inter Miami CF advances to the Round of 16 to take on Cavalier SC, who won the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The clash marks a historic moment for Jamaican football, as it could see Messi grace a pitch in Jamaica for the very first time.

The much-anticipated match on March 13 will be a significant event for local fans, with expectations high as Cavalier SC prepares to host the global football icon and his star-studded Inter Miami side.