KINGSTON – Inter Miami CF booked their spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals after a commanding 2-0 victory over Jamaican side Cavalier FC on Thursday at the National Stadium in Jamaica.
The win completed a dominant 4-0 aggregate triumph for the MLS side, following their 2-0 first-leg victory in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last week.
Luis Suárez opened the scoring in the 37th minute, calmly converting a penalty kick to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead on the night and extend their aggregate advantage to three goals.
The Uruguayan striker’s clinical finish set the tone for the visitors, who controlled much of the match despite an early setback.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano was forced into an early substitution when David Ruiz left the field with an injury in the 17th minute. Benjamin Cremaschi replaced Ruiz and slotted seamlessly into the midfield.
Suárez and veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets were substituted in the 53rd minute, making way for Lionel Messi and Yannick Bright. Messi, who had been rested for the first leg and two recent league matches, made an immediate impact upon his return to the pitch.
Cavalier FC, the reigning Concacaf Caribbean Cup champions, pushed for a goal to spark a comeback, with Kaile Auvray coming close in the 74th minute. However, Inter Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari made a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet and keep the hosts at bay.
Messi put the finishing touches on the victory in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+2’ minute to seal the 2-0 win. The Argentine maestro received a perfectly timed through ball from Santiago Morales, who was credited with the assist, before slotting home his third goal of the campaign.
With the series win, Inter Miami CF now advances to face fellow MLS side Los Angeles FC in a highly anticipated all-MLS quarterfinal clash.
CMC