Inter Miami Grind Out 2-0 Victory in CONCACAF Champions Cup Without Lionel Messi

Inter Miami made the decision to rest Lionel Messi once again, despite not suffering from any injury, in their 2-0 victory over Jamaica's Cavalier in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 tie. This comes after Messi was also absent in their recent MLS win against Houston. The club has attributed Messi's absence to 'load management'. Despite Miami coach Javier Mascherano's confidence in his team's ability to secure a win without Messi, it was not until the opening hour of the match that victory seemed certain.

The Kingston side impressed as they threatened on the counter-attack, showed energy in midfield and were solid at the back against a lacklustre Miami team.

Indeed, the visitors could have gone ahead in the 28th minute when Jamilio Rigters whipped a cross from the left towards the far post but the arriving Jalmaro Calvin couldn't get his shot on target.

Minutes later, the Jamaican side were denied by the woodwork when Calvin was found inside the box and the ball deflected off the lunging David Martinez and struck the post.

Just before half-time, the Jamaicans thought they had the lead when Miami failed to deal with a free-kick into the box and Richard King set up Shaquille Stein who slotted home.

The celebrations were cut short though by the referee indicating a VAR review which went on for several minutes before, to the fury of the away side, the effort was ruled out for offside.

There was a more determined approach from Miami after the break and they were rewarded in the 61st minute when after a goalmouth scramble the ball fell to Tadeo Allende who fired into the corner.

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Cavalier paid the price for their high-energy approach in the first half, tiring as the game wore on and weary defending in the 83rd minute was punished by Luis Suarez who pounced after a mis-control by Shamar Watson and tucked home the second.

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The return leg will be played in Kingston on March 13.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)