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Watch: Lionel Messi scores off a brilliant volley, helps Miami move into the Round of 16 of CONCACAF Champions Cup

Eight time Ballon d'Or winner footballing icon Lionel Messi scored off a brilliant volley in the reverse CONCACAF tie against Sporting Kansas

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Shubhrajit Goswami
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Lionel Messi once again showed his remarkable skills as Inter Miami advanced to the last 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, securing a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, which allowed them to win the tie 4-1 on aggregate.

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After netting a goal in the first leg during a freezing match in Kansas City, Messi netted his 852nd career goal in the reverse fixture at the warmer Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, scoring within just 19 minutes. His timely goal contributed to the team's success as the Herons advanced to the next stage of the tournament.

Messi scored a delightful goal 

Messi's closest teammate Luis Suarez chipped the ball over to the Argentine, who was afforded too much space by the Sporting defence and made them pay by expertly volleying the ball into the bottom corner after bringing it down with his chest.

Miami extended their lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time when Messi set Jordi Alba free on the left flank. Alba's low cross was then neatly converted from close range by Tadeo Allende.

Kansas City tried to stage a comeback in the 63rd minute when Memo Rodriguez's long-range shot deflected to find the goal. 

Looking ahead, Miami is set to compete against Jamaican club Cavalier, the champions of the Caribbean Cup, in the next round. The first leg of this much-anticipated matchup will take place in Florida during the first week of March.

Speculations are intensifying in town regarding Messi's future. Journalist Alex Candal has reported that Lionel Messi is eager to return to Barcelona. With his contract at Inter Miami expiring at the end of this season and no new deal signed yet, the situation is becoming increasingly clear.

Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent in the summer of 2023 and has been sensational at MLS, scoring 36 goals and providing 20 assists in 42 games across all competitions.

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