Inter Miami secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, with a help of remarkable long-range strike from Lionel Messi in front of a staggering crowd of 72,610 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Returning to his first MLS start since March 2 after recovering from a hamstring injury, Messi showcased his unparalleled talent by unleashing a powerful shot from 25 yards with his renowned left foot, granting Miami the lead just six minutes into the second half.
Sporting Kansas City, buoyed by the presence of minority owner and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, played an active role in the captivating encounter. Erik Thommy, who had earlier provided his team with the lead, equalized with a spectacular volley only seven minutes after Messi’s phenomenal goal.
However, Miami thwarted a potential sixth consecutive winless streak in all competitions with a decisive goal from Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by SKC.
The record-breaking attendance marked a historic moment for Sporting Kansas City, surpassing any previous figures in its 28-year history and establishing a new record for soccer matches in the state of Missouri. This turnout ranks as the fourth-highest attendance for a single match in MLS history.
Typically playing at the 18,500-capacity Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas, SKC experienced an unparalleled atmosphere at the grand Arrowhead Stadium.
Messi, whose goal marked his fifth consecutive MLS game with a goal this season, also contributed a clever assist to Miami’s first-half equalizer from Diego Gómez. The 36-year-old’s return to the starting lineup came after his last MLS appearance in a 5-0 triumph against Orlando City at the beginning of March, prior to sustaining an injury during a Champions Cup game against Nashville SC on March 13.
