The big question was whether Inter-Miami could win without Lionel Messi? This question was answered strongly when Miami won against Sporting Kansas City, 3-2.
The game started with Sporting KC displaying a dominating performance, Dániel Sallói scoring the opening goal within the opening ten minutes on a rebound shot which goalkeeper Drake Callender failed to save. Despite Alan Pulido’s efforts to lead Sporting KC’s comeback with a second-half goal, it proved insufficient to secure a victory.
Leo Campana played exceptionally well throughout the match and stepped up his efforts in the absence of Messi, scoring two of Miami’s three goals. In the 60th minute, Facundo Farías scored a goal to secure Miami’s victory over Sporting KC.
Inter Miami also had eight key players on an international missionincluding striker Josef Martinez (Venezuela), midfielder Robert Taylor (Finland) and the remarkable young 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi (USA).
Inter Miami CF got 3 points with a Victory 3-2 against Sporting KC in South Florida, keep their playoff hopes alive alive. After this big victory, Miami CF is only 6 points behind play offline.
Inter Miami CF vs. Sporting KC Score, Highlights
Here’s a look at South Florida’s notable action:
When will Messi play next?
Messi is make magic with Argentina for two World Cup qualifiers, but he should be back with Miami in the next matches game against Atlanta United on September 16.
The pace continues without Messi
Inter Miami CF achieves a significant victory despite the absence of several players from the roster.
Farías was replaced in the 88th minute
Vicror Ulloa replaces Facundo Farías for Miami CF late in the second half.
Alan Pulido’s goal: Sporting KC fights in the second half
Alan Pulido (78′) scores a superb goal from the center of the area, giving Sporting KC their second goal of the evening.
Facundo Farias goal: Busquets’ fast start gives Miami 3-1 lead
After a few arguments, Sergio Busquets made the wise decision to start the game. It was allowed and the man who was everywhere, Facundo Farias, scored the 3-1 goal (60th).
Inter Miami remains hungry
Inter Miami isn’t content to just sit back and hold on to the lead. Nicolás Stefanelli is called for a hand but remains aggressive (’54). Players like Farias constantly play the ball in the box.
No worries about the absence of Messi because Leo Campana steps up to the plate
Despite missing key players on the roster, Leonardo Campana proved Miami CF’s ability to compete.
Leonardo Campana goal: Miami takes lead before halftime in South Florida
The Campana show! Campana (45′) scores with a header from the left side of the area, assisted by DeAndre Yedlin.
Leonardo Campana goal: Miami equalizes against Sporting KC
Campana (25′ Pen) scores a penalty to tie the score 1-1 in the first half against Sporting KC.
Dániel Sallói goal: Sporting KC strikes first against Inter Miami CF
Dániel Sallói (9′) scores early in the first half to give Sporting KC a 1-0 lead against Miami with a right footed shot from the center of the box to pass Drake Callendar.
What time does Inter Miami play Sporting Kansas City today?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at DVR PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
How to watch Inter Miami vs Sporting KC: stream online
Like all MLS matches, Inter Miami’s game against Kansas City, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, will be streamed on MLS Season Passavailable on AppleTV.
Is Messi playing tonight?
Unfortunately, Messi will not be joining Inter Miami for their match against Sporting KC tonight as he is currently on international duty with Argentina for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Messi played a crucial role in the win 1 -0 for his country against Ecuador by scoring the only goal of the match last Thursday. His next match with Argentina is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET against Bolivia.
Spotlight on Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba for Miami CF
Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will have to lead Miami CF against Sporting KC despite the absence of Messi and other key players.
Inter Miami CF without eight key players
Miami will miss several key players, including Lionel Messi (Argentina), Josef Martinez (Venezuela), Sergii Kryvtzov (Ukraine), Benjamin Cremaschi (USMNT), Edison Azcona (Dominican Republic), Diego Gomez (Paraguay), David Ruiz (Honduras). ), and Robert Taylor (Finland).
Official line-ups for Inter Miami CF vs Sporting KC
The time has come. We now have the official line-ups without Lionel Messi.
Benjamin Cremaschi called to the USMNT
The 18-year-old midfielder will miss the game against Sporting KC as he was called up for the USA men’s national team friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman.
Campana and Gerardo Martino confident in team without Messi
Miami forward Leonardo Campana said MLS that Miami can prove they are a solid team despite missing their biggest star and silence any remaining doubters.
Miami CF head coach Gerardo Martino agreed with Campana. Despite the absence of important players due to international call-ups, he believes in the team that will face Sporting KC.
Messi’s goal for Argentina against Ecuador
The GOAT scored on a free kick in the 78thth minute of Argentina’s victory over Ecuador in World Cup qualifying.
Inter Miami vs. Sporting KC Predictions
Alicia DelGallo, editor-in-chief: Inter Miami loses early, but finds a way to pull out a 2-1 win.
Elizabeth Flores, sports journalist: I predict Miami will win 1-0 despite Sporting KC winning the last 2 out of 3 games.
Gabe Zaldivar, sports editor: The Messi magic extends far beyond the limits of Lionel’s presences. Miami’s recent form makes me believe in a victory without the maestro.
Can Messi and Inter Miami make the playoffs?
A good question given the numbers above. We’ve analyzed all the playoff scenarios and the team’s chances, and the path isn’t easy. Miami has two games in hand compared to many teams above it in the rankings. Yet to be safe, Miami would need to win seven of its final nine games. here is a in-depth look at Inter’s playoff picture Yum.
MLS Ranking
Inter Miami currently sits in 14th place out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference with a record of 7-14-4 and 25 points. In order to qualify for the playoffs, they will need to reach ninth place or higher, which is a difficult feat.
So far, only Cincinnati, with a 17-4-6 record and 57 points, has secured a playoff spot. In the Western Conference, Sporting Kansas City sits in 11th place with an 8-11-8 record and 32 points, trailing ninth-placed Dallas by two points. St. Louis leads the West with a 15-10-2 record and 47 points.
To see the full ranking here.
