Messi craze spreads to Jamaica

"Messimania! ( Messi mania)", "Welcome Messi to Jamaica ", were the headlines that appeared in most of the leading newspapers in Jamaica, when the 37-year-old Argentine star and Inter Miami arrived here to play the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.

Photo: Reuters

This is the first time in more than 50 years that Jamaica has welcomed one of the world's greatest football stars to compete, after the legendary Brazilian, "King of Football" Pele and Santos Club came here to compete in 1971. Then, in 1975, Pele and the New York Cosmos Club (USA) also had a friendly match here with the all-star team of Jamaica, attracting 45,000 people to watch.

Therefore, the event of Messi coming to Jamaica has become the focus of this country in recent days. The Cavalier Club has moved from a stadium with a capacity of only 3,000 spectators, to the National Stadium in the capital Kingston with a capacity of up to 35,000 seats to meet the needs of fans.

They were not disappointed. After sitting on the bench for the entire first half, Messi was brought on by coach Mascherano to replace his close friend Suarez at the start of the second half to lead the Inter Miami attack. Suarez had previously scored the opening goal for Inter Miami in the 37th minute from the penalty spot, after Tadeo Allende was fouled by a Cavalier defender in the penalty area.

Messi's presence on the field immediately created excitement among Jamaican fans. Most of them turned to support this famous player, instead of supporting their losing team.

Messi created many opportunities as soon as he entered the field. But this famous player also played cautiously, because he had just returned from a period of injury and had not played in the previous 3 matches.

It was not until the end of the match that the 35,000 Jamaican fans were truly satisfied with their wait when they saw Messi score. The Argentine star quickly broke into the penalty area, received a pass from 18-year-old Santiago Morales and unleashed a dangerous shot that defeated the opposing goalkeeper.

Photo: Reuters

Messi's goal made it 2-0, helping him continue to increase his total goals to 37 for Inter Miami and 853 in his career. This is also Messi's 3rd goal and 2 assists, after 4 matches for Inter Miami since the beginning of the 2025 season.

Coach Mascherano used Messi to play for more than 35 minutes in the second half, to help the famous player regain the necessary rhythm and fitness. But the effect came immediately, when the famous player scored a goal upon his return.

Inter Miami booked their place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, where they will face a formidable opponent, Los Angeles FC.

Los Angeles FC currently has two veteran French players, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and striker Olivier Giroud, who have faced Messi since the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Now fate has brought them together once again on the pitches in the United States.