Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the field, coming on in the second half to score as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cavalier SC in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday night. The result sees Miami advance to the quarterfinals with a 4-0 aggregate victory, where they will face LAFC in the next round.

With a packed crowd of 35,000 in attendance, Cavalier fought bravely against the star-studded Miami lineup but ultimately could not overcome the visitors' firepower.

Having missed three games due to injury, Messi started on the bench but entered the match in the 52nd minute, replacing Luis Suárez, who had earlier put Miami ahead. The Argentine maestro wasted little time in influencing play, displaying his trademark close control, vision, and passing in the attacking third.

Cavalier, despite being under relentless pressure, defended well for most of the second half, preventing Miami from increasing their lead. The home side even managed to create a few scoring opportunities, forcing Miami’s goalkeeper into key saves.

However, in stoppage time, Messi sealed the victory, receiving a pass from the left before flicking the ball past the goalkeeper into the right corner in the 92nd minute. The goal marked a special moment for the Jamaican fans, who had eagerly anticipated seeing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action.

Inter Miami dominated possession from the outset, keeping Cavalier on the back foot. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when a long ball into the box saw Allende brought down, earning a penalty. Suárez stepped up and confidently slotted the ball home, sending the Miami fans in the stadium into celebration.

Cavalier showed tremendous fight, particularly in the second half, pressing higher up the pitch and preventing Miami from finding clear openings. However, the quality of Miami’s attack proved too much to handle, and Messi’s late strike put the result beyond doubt.

For Jamaican football fans, Messi’s first-ever match on the island was a historic moment, one that will be remembered for years to come.