Messi’s Potential Return Looms Over Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup Clash in Jamaica
Lionel Messi’s potential return to the pitch is generating considerable buzz as Inter Miami prepares to face Cavalier FC in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 tie. The Argentine superstar’s presence in Jamaica has ignited a wave of excitement, but his actual participation in Thursday night’s match remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Inter Miami arrived in Kingston on Wednesday night, greeted by a hero’s welcome befitting a player of Messi’s stature. Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, personally welcomed Messi off the plane, underscoring the magnitude of his visit to the island nation. The Jamaica Observer newspaper further amplified the excitement, featuring Messi prominently on both its front and back covers. The photo showcased Minister Grange presenting Messi with a Bob Marley t-shirt, a gesture that beautifully blended the worlds of soccer and Jamaican culture.
However, despite the fanfare surrounding his arrival, Messi’s game status remains very much "up in the air." While he traveled with the team, it’s unclear whether coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino will opt to include him in the starting lineup, bring him on as a substitute, or even keep him on the bench entirely. The decision will likely hinge on a careful assessment of Messi’s fitness level and the overall game situation.
Messi has been sidelined for Inter Miami’s last three matches due to what has been described as fatigue. The demanding schedule of preseason friendlies and early-season games has undoubtedly taken a toll on the 36-year-old, and the coaching staff is understandably cautious about overexerting him, especially with crucial international commitments looming on the horizon.
The allure of seeing Messi in action against Cavalier FC is undeniable. The Jamaican Premier League champions are eager to test themselves against one of the greatest players of all time, and the National Stadium in Kingston is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the Argentine maestro.
Inter Miami currently holds a 2-0 aggregate lead over Cavalier FC, thanks to their victory in the first leg at DRV PNK Stadium. While this provides a cushion, they cannot afford to be complacent. Cavalier FC will undoubtedly be motivated to put on a strong showing in front of their home crowd and attempt to overturn the deficit.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. in Jamaica, 9 p.m. in Argentina) and will be broadcast on FS2 in English, and on TUDN and ViX in Spanish. Fans around the world will be eagerly tuning in, hoping to witness Messi’s return to competitive action.
The decision on Messi’s involvement will likely be made closer to the match, with Inter Miami expected to announce their starting lineup approximately an hour before kickoff. Until then, speculation will continue to swirl, and fans will analyze every possible scenario.
The last time Messi was poised to return to the field was last Sunday at home against Charlotte FC. He was anticipated to come off the bench. However, a dramatic turn of events in that match forced Martino to reconsider his plans. Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was shown a red card in the first half, leaving the team to play with 10 men. Instead of risking Messi’s fitness in a disadvantageous situation, Martino made the difficult decision to substitute midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi for backup goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.
Martino explained that he did not want to expose Messi to undue risk while the team was a man down. The decision, while disappointing for fans, underscored the club’s commitment to prioritizing Messi’s long-term health and well-being.
Prior to the Charlotte FC match, Messi had missed Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo on March 2, as well as the first leg of the Champions Cup tie against Cavalier FC. His absence from these games highlighted the need for careful load management to ensure he remains fresh and fit for the remainder of the season.
A closer look at Messi’s recent playing schedule reveals a demanding stretch of matches. He featured prominently in three games during a six-day period from Feb. 19-25, and played in eight matches over a 40-day span from Jan. 18 to Feb. 14. This included five preseason friendlies played in diverse locations such as Las Vegas, Peru, Panama, Honduras, and Tampa, Florida. The travel and physical exertion associated with these matches undoubtedly contributed to his current fatigue.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami faces a crucial rematch against Atlanta United on Sunday. Atlanta United eliminated them in upset fashion from the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs last season. This upcoming match will be Inter Miami’s last before the FIFA international window opens for World Cup qualifiers.
Messi is expected to join the Argentine national team for two important matches. Argentina will visit Uruguay on March 21, and then host Brazil on March 25. These are high-stakes games for Argentina, and Messi’s presence will be vital to their success.
Following his international duty, Messi will return to Inter Miami for their final match of the month, a home game against the Philadelphia Union on March 29.
The stakes in the Concacaf Champions Cup are high. The winner of the Inter Miami-Cavalier FC matchup will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face a formidable opponent in LAFC. The quarterfinal series is scheduled to begin in early April, adding further intensity to the competition.
Ultimately, the decision on whether Messi plays against Cavalier FC will be a strategic one, balancing the team’s need to secure passage to the next round with the imperative of protecting their star player’s fitness. Regardless of whether he appears on the pitch, Messi’s presence in Jamaica has undoubtedly generated excitement and attention, highlighting the global appeal of both the player and the sport of soccer. The world awaits the final decision, hoping to witness the magic that only Lionel Messi can bring.
