Sporting Kansas City Faces Inter Miami Again, Aiming to Overcome Messi’s Heroics
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Sporting Kansas City (SKC) goalkeeper John Pulskamp is eager to reflect on the experience of facing international soccer icon Lionel Messi, but his immediate focus remains on Tuesday’s crucial second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup first-round series against Inter Miami.
A Challenging Task
Inter Miami holds a 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to Messi’s lone goal in last Wednesday’s frigid match in Kansas City. To overturn the deficit, SKC must score at least two goals and secure a victory of at least one goal over Inter Miami on Tuesday night.
Messi’s Presence
Messi, the reigning MLS MVP and World Cup winner, is expected to start and feature in the upcoming match. His presence poses a significant challenge for SKC, which is 0-2 against him in two encounters over the past year.
Pulskamp’s Perspective
"It would be dishonest to say that it’s not a cool factor playing against someone you’ve admired growing up, who you consider to be the pinnacle of soccer," said Pulskamp, who represented the United States at the Paris Olympics. "In the back of your mind, you’re aware of his unique abilities, but other players on their team also have exceptional skills that demand attention. After the match, we’ll have an opportunity to reflect on the unique experience."
Inter Miami’s Advantage
Despite Inter Miami’s slender advantage, coach Javier Mascherano insists that his team will approach the match as if the scoreline is level. "No, 1-0 offers no cushion," Mascherano stated. "We’re preparing for the game with the mindset that it’s 0-0."
SKC’s Defensive Approach
Limiting Messi’s impact will be paramount for SKC. Coach Peter Vermes has repeatedly praised Messi’s exceptional qualities.
"Over the years, numerous coaches have attempted to devise game plans to neutralize him, but it’s almost impossible because he’s one of those rare players who can single-handedly determine the outcome of a match," Vermes explained.
Match Details
The match will be broadcast on FS2 in English and ViX in Spanish. It will commence at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina) on Tuesday evening.
Qualification Scenarios
- Inter Miami will advance with a win or a draw of any score.
- Kansas City will qualify by scoring two or more goals and securing a one-goal victory at Chase Stadium.
- If SKC achieves a 1-0 lead after regulation, the match will be tied on aggregate and proceed to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Additional Information
- Jamaican league champions Cavalier FC have received a bye to the round of 16 in the Champions Cup tournament and await the winner of the Inter Miami-Sporting Kansas City series.
- Messi scored the winning goal in Inter Miami’s 1-0 triumph in the first leg of the first-round encounter.
