Messi ‘Will Play' as Miami Prepare for Frigid Champions Cup Match in K.C.
Inter Miami are preparing for frigid temperatures in their official 2025 debut, and, as of Monday, that debut still involves Lionel Messi. Despite unconfirmed reports over the weekend that put Messi's availability in doubt, he will travel with Miami ahead of Tuesday's match at Sporting KC and is expected to play in the first leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup, the region's equivalent of a Champions League-style tournament.
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Wind chills in Kansas City are expected to have single-digit temperatures feeling as low as 18 below zero (F), with the region bracing for a winter storm that has recently affected large parts of the U.S. Snow is also expected in the area. Although Messi's participation was said to be in doubt due to the winter weather, Miami manager Javier Mascherano spoke to the media Monday and confirmed that Messi is available and 'will play' – provided there is no match postponement. As of Monday morning, the match at Children's Mercy Park remained on as scheduled.
In October, The Athletic reported that MLS officials are considering switching to a fall-spring calendar that would include breaks in the summer and winter. Among the advantages that league officials and executives have discussed is to improve MLS' participation in the global transfer market. On the flip side, MLS teams and fans would have to contend with winter weather in some of the coldest parts of the country, such as what's currently hitting K.C.
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MLS is considering changing to a fall-spring calendar after the 2026 World Cup
The winner between SKC and Miami will advance to a round-of-16 date with Cavalier SC, with the first leg on March 6 before the return leg in Jamaica on March 13. Should either SKC or Miami reach the quarterfinals, an all-MLS encounter would await, featuring either the Columbus Crew or the winner of the LAFC/Colorado Rapids first-round tie.
In addition to the MLS regular season and the Champions Cup, Miami will participate in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup. They'll open the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium against Egyptian side Al Ahly FC on June 15.
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