Mac Allister Reacts as Salah Equals Messi’s Record

In crucial moments, Lionel Messi excelled. Inter Miami defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round on a very cold Wednesday night after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner curled a stunning shot from the right side of the box in the 56th minute.

“There’s one guy that can turn the game over, and he did,” Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano simplified: “Fantastic.”

Both teams struggled to handle the ball on a rough, slippery ground in front of 15,178 bundled-up fans at Children’s Mercy Park.

Gametime temperatures dropped to 3 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 16 degrees Celsius) with a bitter 9 mph (14.48 kph) wind, making it seem like minus 11 degrees.

“I’m very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions,” Mascherano remarked. “It’s not human. I’m proud because they gave me 100%.”

Sergio Busquets passed to Messi, who evaded the nearest defender and blasted past Sporting KC goalie John Pulskamp.

Mascherano stated, “Maybe for the people that know him, it’s normal because he’s scored goals like this 1,000 times.” “But we are lucky to have him.”

Sporting KC slowed Miami’s onslaught, which Vermes praised.

“Outside of that goal, I thought we were really good,” he remarked. “We had great opportunities. I cannot say enough about our first performance, especially with such a young team.”

Few players can match Messi, Vermes said. He answered, “It’s not just us, just everybody.” “The whole world. None play well against him. He can alter the game. The world’s game has few players like that. Their numbers are low over generations. He and Diego Maradona are from Argentina.”

Still seeking an equalizer, Sporting KC led the rest of the way. However, Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari blocked both second-half efforts. Daniel Sallói had the finest chance when he burst free behind Miami’s defense but shot straight at Ustari.

In the 78th minute, Erik Thommy’s strike hit the left post and missed. Sallói was offside, so the play didn’t count. Inter Miami could add to its lead. In the 33rd minute, Tadeo Allende missed a Messi lob, and Luis Suarez missed early from within the box.

In the 36th minute, Sporting KC’s Dany Rosero headed a corner kick wide. Miami had 60% possession and seven shots to Sporting KC’s three in the first half. The pivotal second leg comes Tuesday in Miami.