Concacaf Champions Cup: Lionel Messi's Match With Inter Miami Shifted Due To Storm

Lionel Messi is confirmed to join Inter Miami to compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup (Instagram/@intermimatif).

JAKARTA - The first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City was moved to February 19, 2025.

Concacaf decided to postpone the event for 24 hours due to bad weather conditions in Kansas City.

According to several weather reports, winter snowstorms are expected to bring four to seven inches of snow across the city.

"A decision to reschedule the match has been made to prioritize the safety of players and fans, with close coordination with the two participating clubs and local authorities," Concacaf said in a statement.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told a pre-match press conference that the two teams were still communicating about the possibility of moving the game to a different date. Both agreed on the difficulty of playing in tough conditions.

"It's not just a matter of the game. If it snows as they say, we believe the city will collapse completely."

"So people won't be able to go to the pitch, access may be closed. Often you just think about the game yourself and not everything around it," Mascherano said.

Before Concacaf confirmed the postponement of the match, Mascherano clarified that Lionel Messi would participate against Sporting KC regardless of his condition. Inter Miami's game plans will not change depending on the weather.

"Messi's availability is 100 percent. I can guarantee that Leo will play. In fact, the line-up and plans will not change much."

"It means, the reality is we will try to be the protagonist and try to follow the same line we've shown throughout pre-season."

"Obviously the weather factor, especially if there is snow, can harm or influence the facts of our game."

"However, it is clear we will do so in the hope of achieving good results that will put us on track to the playoffs," said Mascherano.

Inter Miami will now officially start its 2025 campaign on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, against Sporting Kansas City.

Meanwhile, Major League Soccer on Monday, February 17, 2025, clarified that the opening match of Inter Miami season against New York City FC will continue on schedule.

The match is planned to take place on February 23, 2025, at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.