In freezing conditions in Kansas (-20°C), Lionel Messi scored his first official goal of the year, securing Inter Miami’s 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals.
Despite a frozen pitch and a slow-paced game, Messi found the net ten minutes into the second half, sealing a crucial win in a match that also marked Javier Mascherano’s debut as a coach.
The argument “Could Messi do it on a cold Tuesday night vs Stoke” is now put to bed, the Goat can do it with ease. 😮💨🐐
🌡️ Temperature: -14°C 🥶 https://t.co/lutvPIKdKA pic.twitter.com/3t14QUB4x1
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) February 20, 2025
In another game, a striking image emerged as Olivier Giroud’s beard was partially frozen during LAFC’s match against the Colorado Rapids.