Lionel Messi scored on his return to action as Inter Miami triumphed 2-0 in Jamaica over Cavalier FC on Thursday to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Inter Miami will play the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 this Thursday night against Cavalier in Jamaica, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi. A week ago, Inter Miami took a crucial step toward the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cavalier in the first leg at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi will be traveling with the team to Jamaica to face Cavalier FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 series Thursday at Kingston's Independence Park.

Lionel Messi, who has sat out Inter Miami's last three games, will travel to Jamaica for Thursday's CONCACAF Champions Cup game with Kingston club Cavalier, coach Javier Mascherano said on Wednesday. Unlock immediate access to every story, as well as exclusive newsletters like Soccer America Daily and Soccer on TV.

Inter Miami have been extremely protective of their legendary superstar ever since Lionel Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023, even as questions are raised about his fitness after multiple matches missed.

Inter Miami's sporting project continues to take shape. Along with preserving their unbeaten record in 2025, Javier Mascherano has brought in another Argentine young player to provide additional support for Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi did not play against Charlotte because Inter Miami had to play down a man after Oscar Ustari's early red card.