Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Face Jamaican Champions Cavalier FC in Concacaf Champions Cup Clash
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The spotlight shines brightly on Chase Stadium this Thursday night as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami prepare to host Cavalier FC, the reigning champions of the Jamaican Premier League, in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 encounter. The match, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, pits the star-studded Inter Miami squad against a determined Jamaican side eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
The arrival of Messi, along with former FC Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and coach Javier Mascherano, has transformed Inter Miami into a global phenomenon. Their presence elevates this Champions Cup tie to a level of significance rarely seen for Caribbean soccer teams. Cavalier FC, though considered underdogs, are embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and a desire to prove their worth against the world’s best.
"The match is among the most significant matches any soccer team from Jamaica or the Caribbean has played because of Messi," declared Cavalier FC coach and sporting director Rudolph Speid. The magnitude of the occasion isn’t lost on Speid, who views the matchup as a classic David vs. Goliath story. "That’s actually my favorite Bible story," he shared during a pre-match press conference, conveying his team’s readiness to confront the daunting task ahead.
Speid maintained a lighthearted demeanor, expressing confidence that Messi’s recent rest was specifically to prepare him for the encounter with Cavalier FC. "I know he rested because he wanted to be his best to play us,” he quipped, hinting at the respect his team holds for the Argentine superstar while subtly asserting their own ambitions.
While Inter Miami initially indicated that Messi would feature in the match after he was rested for their previous game, coach Mascherano remained cautious about confirming his participation. "He’s training. He trained (Tuesday). He trained (Wednesday). But we’ll see," Mascherano stated, adding, "He’s in good health, but we’ll see what’s best for us. That’s the reality." Whether Messi plays or not, the anticipation surrounding the game is palpable.
Cavalier FC’s journey to this stage is a testament to their recent success. They earned direct qualification to the round of 16 by winning the Concacaf Caribbean Cup in December, marking their second consecutive appearance in the Champions Cup. Coach Speid revealed that his team was actively rooting for Inter Miami to advance past Sporting Kansas City in the previous round, driven by the desire to test themselves against Messi and his teammates. "Oh, we were cheering for them. We wanted Inter Miami to come through so we could play them," Speid admitted. "All the persons in Jamaica were telling us, ‘Let’s hope it’s Inter Miami.’"
This match against Inter Miami will be Cavalier FC’s second experience against MLS opposition. Last year, they faced FC Cincinnati in the first round, suffering defeats of 2-0 and 4-0. Aware of the challenge ahead, Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets acknowledged Cavalier FC’s merit and competitive spirit. "Cavalier may not be so well known to us, but we know that if they are in this competition, it is on their own merits," Busquets said. "They will be eager to face us and make it difficult for us."
Cavalier FC understands the importance of securing a positive result in the first leg to increase their chances of Messi playing in the return match on March 13 at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. The Jamaican side has already announced a sellout of 35,000 tickets for the home leg. "We have to take something home, especially to force Leo to come home and for Jamaicans to see him," said Cavalier FC defender Jeovanni Laing.
Coach Speid echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential impact of this Champions Cup tie on the next generation of Jamaican footballers. "We’re really looking forward to doing well. I think it will inspire a generation of players in Jamaica itself, just because of what will happen," Speid said. "We’ll play them here. Everybody will be watching on TV. And, also in the return leg where we expect a packed stadium, and everybody just talking about the game. That inspiration is much more for the country than just our team."
Cavalier FC’s recent success is rooted in their focus on developing young talent from across Jamaica. They have won the Jamaican Premier League twice in the last four years. Speid highlighted the youthful composition of his squad, stating, "We have two 16-year-olds, two 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, one 19-year-old, five 20-year-olds." He believes that in five years, these players will be among the best in the country, adding, "They are really talented players. They just need an opportunity."
The opportunity to face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami is a dream come true for Cavalier FC and Jamaican football. Defender Jeovanni Laing expressed his excitement and determination. "This is like a dream come true for us as players, Jamaica as a country and as a whole for the Caribbean. But we can’t get starstruck," Laing cautioned. "We have to play and perform well. This is an opportunity to show our talents on the bigger stage, because millions will be watching. It’s a good thing. It’s a good opportunity."
The match will be broadcast on FS2 in English and ViX in Spanish, allowing fans across the region and beyond to witness this historic encounter. The clash between Inter Miami’s superstars and Cavalier FC’s determined young players promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the Jamaican champions eager to prove their mettle against one of the world’s most formidable teams.
