Messi and Suárez Score as Inter Miami Secure 2-0 Win Over Cavalier

Luis Suárez's successful penalty kick and Leo Messi on extra time secured Inter Miami's 2-0 victory (4-0 aggregate) over Jamaica's Cavalier in the Champions Cup showdown on Thursday evening at the National Stadium

Leo Messi on Jamaican soil (Photo: Inter Miami)

Inter Miami CF advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory (4-0 aggregate) over Jamaican side Cavalier FC in the second leg of their Round-of-16 clash on Thursday evening at the National Stadium in Kingston.

The stadium was packed as thousands of Jamaicans turned out to witness Argentine icon Lionel Messi, who, as expected, started on the bench. Among the notable attendees were Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, dancehall entertainer Ding Dong, and selector Boom Boom.

Fans arrived at the stadium from the early hours, with many even climbing the stadium walls to get inside, as seen in viral videos, just to witness history as Messi played on Jamaican soil for the first time.

Uruguayan veteran Luis Suárez controlled the game and converted a penalty in the 37th minute to put Inter Miami ahead.

He was substituted for his close friend Messi in the 53rd minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. "La Pulga," who missed the first leg, sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal, effortlessly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. The moment sparked wild celebrations, as Jamaican fans briefly turned the stadium into a scene reminiscent of Buenos Aires.