Lionel Messi delivers stunning winner in coldest game in career as Inter Miami skates to 1-0 win over Sporting KC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup

Even a wind chill of 9 degrees below zero Fahrenheit couldn't freeze Lionel Messi's magic. The Argentine delivered a spectacular gam...

Even a wind chill of 9 degrees below zero Fahrenheit couldn't freeze Lionel Messi's magic.

The Argentine delivered a spectacular game-winner off a pinpoint long-ball assist from longtime teammate Sergio Busquets, securing Inter Miami's 1-0 victory over Sporting KC at a frigid Children’s Mercy Park Wednesday night.

In the coldest match of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career - the match started at 6 degrees, and dropped to 2 degrees - clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Miami dominated early, controlling nearly 70 percent of possession and registering seven shots in the first half. Still, Sporting KC had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes when Memo Rodríguez’s brilliant free kick was denied by a leaping save from Inter Miami keeper Oscar Ustari.

The second half belonged to Messi. In the 57th minute, Busquets spotted the 37-year-old making a run toward goal from 30 yards out and delivered a perfectly weighted long ball. Messi brought it down on his chest, turned sharply, and buried the shot with clinical precision.

Sporting KC had opportunities to respond, most notably in the 62nd minute when Daniel Sallói squandered a one-on-one chance against Ustari. Inter Miami’s defense was almost as impressive as Messi’s heroics.

Sporting KC’s marquee signing, Dejan Joveljic, was kept quiet, and Miami’s midfield stifled the home side’s creativity. It was a strong debut performance for Javier Mascherano in his first competitive match as Inter Miami manager.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to Opta, Messi has been directly involved in 66 goals (52 goals, 14 assists) in 81 career knockout stage matches in continental club competition (UEFA Champions League and CONCACAF Champions Cup).

THE MVP: Messi

Not only did he play in the frigid conditions, he continued to show fire and grit. It's clear he's on a mission after last season's disappointing MLS playoff exit.

THE BIG LOSER: Joveljic

It's never ideal to judge a new signing too quickly, especially when their debut comes in one of the coldest matches ever played in North America. However, being a marquee acquisition comes with high expectations.

The 25-year-old Serbian forward was largely quiet in his first appearance for Sporting KC, and it’s clear Peter Vermes may need to adjust tactically to maximize his impact. Whether the conditions played a role or not, Joveljic struggled to find the space he thrived on last season during his breakout campaign with the Galaxy.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Both clubs are looking forward to their MLS season openers. Inter Miami will host NYCFC on Feb. 22, while Sporting travel to Austin FC.

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