Unstoppable Football Star Shatters Icy Expectations
As Lionel Messi soared to the pinnacle of international soccer, solidifying his status as the greatest player the sport has ever witnessed, a vocal minority of skeptics, predominantly hailing from Britain, persisted in posing a rather whimsical question: Sure, Messi may captivate on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Spain, but could he replicate his brilliance on a chilly, wet evening at Stoke? Over time, this query evolved into a pervasive meme. When Messi made his move to Miami, the query transformed into various American adaptations. And most recently, with snowflakes swirling and sub-zero temperatures encroaching upon Kansas City, the question gained fresh momentum: Could Messi deliver on a bone-chilling night in Kansas?
The resounding answer arrived on Wednesday evening: Yes. Clad in black attire, equipped with hand-warmers snug in his gloves, and facing a biting wind chill of minus-8 degrees, Messi netted the solitary goal in a riveting CONCACAF Champions Cup knockout-round initial encounter against Sporting KC. In the early stages of the second half, he expertly controlled a pass with his chest, evaded the Kansas City defenders, and calmly slotted the ball home with his right foot, kissing the inside of the far post.
MESSI STRIKES TO BREAK THE STALEMATE FOR MIAMI! pic.twitter.com/1JsnQCU5G6— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 20, 2025
Although Messi did not showcase his absolute best form throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes—an assessment that could be extended to the entire roster—this could be attributed to the frosty conditions. The thermometer read a mere 4 degrees Fahrenheit at the start of the match. The inclement weather was so severe that, despite the presence of star players, the stands at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, were only half-filled. Many spectators had harbored doubts regarding Messi’s appearance, pondering why Inter Miami would take a risk with the GOAT considering the entire season ahead of them.
Nevertheless, Messi did show up. He and his Inter Miami comrades embarked on a flight Wednesday morning, dressed in puffy parkas and winter headgear, well-prepared for the unprecedented cold that Messi had not previously encountered.
Lionel Messi strides onto the frigid Kansas pitch ❄️ pic.twitter.com/En5GQJuFgw— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 20, 2025
In what may be deemed one of the most bitterly cold soccer matches ever recorded on American soil, characterized by visible breaths and illuminated by floodlights, with icicles forming on some players’ facial hair, they emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win against Sporting. They will return to Miami next week for the second leg with a valuable advantage.
As for Messi? In his third year at Inter Miami, he seems to have hit
