Messi to face extremely cold welcome in Kansas City

After a lengthy break from competitive play following an early exit from the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, an extended vacation period, and a productive preseason in both the United States and Latin America, Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are set to return to tournament action on Tuesday, February 18, in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The Herons’ first test in the region’s premier club competition will take them far from Fort Lauderdale, as Javier Mascherano’s side travels to Children’s Mercy Park to take on Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of their opening-round matchup. One of the most notable aspects of this encounter will be the harsh weather conditions Miami must contend with – something they rarely experience.

According to the latest forecast, temperatures at kickoff are expected to plummet to 6°F (-14°C), with a wind chill of -8°F (-22°C).

Additionally, there is a 75% chance of snowfall, setting the stage for a brutally cold challenge for Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The battle begins before the ball is even kicked, as Inter Miami will have to carefully plan for these extreme conditions.

As a South Florida-based club, Inter Miami is pretty unaccustomed to such bitter weather. However, if they hope to take a favorable result back home for the second leg at Chase Stadium, they must approach this opening clash with full focus and adapt quickly to the freezing conditions in Kansas City.

Inter Miami closes out preseason unbeaten

Ahead of the new campaign, Inter Miami played a series of friendlies, finishing undefeated with three draws and two wins. Their preseason matchups included a 2-2 draw against Club América in Las Vegas, a 0-0 stalemate with Universitario de Deportes in Lima, a 3-1 victory over Sporting San Miguelito in Panama City, a 5-0 rout of CD Olimpia in San Pedro Sula, and another 2-2 draw against Orlando City in Tampa.

It’s worth noting that none of these matches were played in conditions remotely close to what is expected in Kansas City. On top of making their official season debut, the Herons will also have to overcome an off-the-pitch challenge in the form of freezing temperatures, as they look to secure a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.

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