On March 13, 2025, the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, was filled to the brim as Cavalier SC hosted Inter Miami in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie. With Inter Miami leading the aggregate score 2-0, having secured victory at home, expectations were high for both teams. Fans were particularly excited to see Lionel Messi, who returned to the lineup after missing three matches due to 'load management'.
The match kicked off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local time) and was broadcast live on FS2, DirecTV Stream, TUDN, ViX, and available for streaming on services like FuboTV. For those outside the North and Central America regions, YouTube offered free live streaming, provided one could bypass geographical restrictions using VPNs like ExpressVPN.
Inter Miami came off strong after the intense first leg where Tadeo Allende scored the opening goal. The first half had been tough, with Miami scrambling as they regained their footing after initially trailing before halftime—an equalizer, noted for being ruled out after VAR review.
Fast forward to the second leg on Thursday night, and the team was poised to not only defend their 2-0 lead but also to showcase their dominance on Cavalier's home turf. The match, also rich with its own historical significance, was reminiscent of the last time Kingston hosted such high-caliber international talent—when the iconic Pelé played there with Santos back in 1971.
The excitement was palpable; 35,000 fans crammed inside the Independence Park to witness the event. From the atmosphere to the performances, the stakes were high. Messi replaced some of Miami's key players who needed rest, demonstrating their squad depth and skill level. His very presence was enough to generate buzz and uplift the local side’s spirits as they sought to capitalize on the 'home advantage.'
Luis Suarez struck first for Miami with a clinical penalty kick at the 37th minute, converting it expertly after Allende's impressive run ended with him being fouled inside the box. With this penalty, Miami extended their aggregate lead to 3-0.
Inter Miami's match strategy, crafted under head coach Javier Mascherano, featured consistent pressure on Cavalier, forcing their opponents to adapt quickly. Recognizing the high stakes, Cavalier knew they would need to score at least two goals to hope for extra time, needing balance between aggression and defense, which proved challenging against a top-tier MLS side.
Despite valiant efforts by Cavalier, it was Messi who capped the evening decisively, scoring the second goal deep at 92 minutes, following up on a pass from Santiago Morales. His close-range poke secured Miami's win, bringing the final score to 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate, securing their advancement to the upcoming quarterfinals.
The sold-out crowd, as jubilant as it was nostalgic, ensured the memory of this occasion would shine brightly, as this match marked significant progress for Cavalier SC against one of the best teams of this era. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, even though the game looked controlled from Miami’s perspective.
Subsequent analysis pointed out the contrasting trajectories both teams were on; Inter Miami exemplifying great form, boasting six straight unbeaten matches this season, and Cavalier, at the time, sitting fifth in the Jamaican Premier League, still seeking consistency.
After the match, the storyline shifted to Inter Miami's next challenge: facing MLS rivals LAFC. The stakes were raised higher, with Miami needing not just to continue their streak, but also to show they had what it takes to compete with teams like LAFC and grasp their place among the elite.
For viewers hoping to catch the thrilling action, options varied widely beyond YouTube. Fubo, available with its free seven-day trial, allows fans to watch various sports networks, including FS2, beIN SPORTS, and many others. Those unable to access through mainstream channels found VPNs indispensable for streaming from their homes.
This exciting Champions Cup encounter captured the essence of competitive soccer, where sheer talent and sportsmanship meet, magnified through the lens of high stakes, history, and passionate fans.
While Cavalier's future looks to be building on promising local talent and greater engagement from spectators, Inter Miami continues to solidify its status as giants not just across the MLS but holds its head high on international stages, thanks partly to stars like Messi and Suarez.