Messi’s Season Debut Delayed: Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions League Opener Postponed
Inter Miami’s highly anticipated 2025 season opener against Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions League has been postponed due to inclement weather. The match, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been rescheduled for Wednesday after the region was placed under a winter storm warning.
Local authorities issued a warning of extreme cold and snowfall, with wind chill factors expected to reach 15 to 25 degrees below zero in the Kansas City area. The decision to postpone the game was made "in order to prioritize the safety of the players and fans," according to a statement from CONCACAF.
The postponement marks a setback for Inter Miami, who were eager to kick off their season with a marquee matchup against Sporting KC. The team, led by legendary forward Lionel Messi, has been training diligently for the past several weeks and was ready to make its competitive debut.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami as a free agent in 2023, is expected to make his first appearance for the club in the rescheduled match. New head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi is "100% available" and will play in Kansas City.
The postponement also affects the second leg of the series, which is now scheduled for February 25th in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The winner of the series will advance to the round of 16, where they will face Cavalier FC of Jamaica.
Inter Miami, who recently unveiled their new crest and jerseys, are now set to begin their MLS regular season campaign at home against New York City FC on Saturday. Sporting Kansas City will also start their MLS season on Saturday, traveling to Austin to face Austin FC.
Despite the weather-related setback, both Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City remain optimistic about their chances in the CONCACAF Champions League. With a star-studded roster that includes Messi, Inter Miami is considered a favorite to reach the latter stages of the competition. Sporting Kansas City, meanwhile, is a veteran team with a strong track record in CONCACAF play.
The postponed match has added an extra layer of intrigue to the series, and fans are eagerly anticipating the rescheduled clash between two of the most recognizable teams in North America. With Messi set to make his debut, the match promete to be a thrilling spectacle for both players and fans alike.
