Lionel Messi Dazzles on Debut in Jamaica

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner snatches stoppage-time goal to sink Cavalier FC

Lionel Messi made his maiden visit to Jamaica a memorable night by finding the back of the net, as Inter Miami saw off hosts Cavalier FC 2-0 on Thursday.

The legendary Argentina star, who had missed the past three matches because of muscle fatigue, was introduced as a 53rd-minute substitute and marked his return to action in style.

Cavalier FC shifted their CONCACAF Champions Club Cup second leg tie to Kingston’s 35,000-capacity National Stadium, and sold out within hours of the tickets going on sale.

Inter Miami arrived with a 2-0 first leg lead, and triumphed in Jamaica with the same scoreline to reach the quarter-finals of the coveted competition.

Luiz Suarez and Tadeo Allende had scored in the first leg, with the pair again involved in breaking the deadlock in Kingston. Allende was fouled inside the box, with Suarez thumping home his spot-kick into the bottom left corner past ‘keeper Vino Barclett on 37 minutes.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was introduced from the bench for Suarez just before the hour mark, and dazzled on his debut in Jamaica.
Skipper Messi replaced Suarez early in the second half and within 60 seconds rocketed his effort high and wide of the gaping goalmouth.

Cavalier FC came close to levelling matters on 74 minutes, only for Kaile Auvray’s shot from a tricky angle to be snuffed out by shotstopper Oscar Ustari.

Messi marked his comeback with a superb strike two minutes into added time. Set up by teenager Santiago Morales, the 37-year-old thundered home the ball from close range past stunned Barclett that resulted in the enthusiastic crowd loudly cheering the superstar’s effort.

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