Lionel Messi Set for Champions Cup Debut Against Sporting Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Inter Miami CF is preparing to face Sporting Kansas City in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup on February 19, marking a crucial moment for both teams, especially for Lionel Messi, who is set to make his tournament debut.

The match kicks off at 7 p.m. CT at Children’s Mercy Park. Initially scheduled for an earlier date, the game was postponed due to severe winter weather conditions affecting the area. The National Weather Service issued warnings of an imminent snowstorm, prompting a safety-first approach for both players and fans.

“The decision to postpone the match at Children’s Mercy Park was made with the safety of the players and fans as a priority,” said a CONCACAF spokesperson. “We consulted with the two clubs involved and local authorities before making this call.”

Anticipation builds for Messi’s debut in the prestigious tournament as Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, confirmed, “He [Messi] is one hundred percent available to play in this game.” Messi’s participation is expected to significantly enhance Miami’s chances as they navigate through this competitive tournament.

The Champions Cup is regarded as CONCACAF’s premier continental tournament, featuring club teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Inter Miami, which entered the tournament last year and reached the quarterfinals, is eager to leave a mark this season. They will aim to capitalize on their preseason success, where they showcased an impressive performance.

Sporting Kansas City, known for its competitive spirit, will leverage the home-pitch advantage as they seek to upset Miami. Despite being the visiting team, Miami enters the match with several advantages, including the star power of Messi.

Fans can watch the match live on FS1, Tubi, and TUDN in the United States, while international viewers can stream the action on FuboTV. A surge of excitement surrounds this matchup, reflecting the growing popularity of soccer across the continent.

This Champions Cup matchup represents not just a club rivalry but also an opportunity for both teams to establish themselves on a significant international stage. With Messi’s debut, momentum is on Inter Miami’s side as they aim for championship success.