No Messi, no problem! Inter Miami drops Sporting Kansas City, 3-2, to keep playoff hopes alive as captain recovers from Argentina’s World Cup qualifier win over Ecuador

Inter Miami didn’t have Lionel Messi on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, but the Herons still managed to keep their MLS playoff hopes alive with a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.

Miami played without Messi and seven others due to national team duty — yet still improved to 3-0-1 in its past four MLS matches and unbeaten in 12 straight across all competitions.

Kansas City had its two-match winning streak end and allowed three goals in an MLS match for the first time since May 20.

KC’s Daniel Salloi was in the right place at the right time to put the visitors ahead 1-0 in the ninth minute. 

Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender got his hands up to stop a long-range shot from Felipe Gutierrez but couldn’t snare the rebound and was beaten to it by Salloi at the edge of the six-yard box.

Inter Miami’s Facundo Farias (11) celebrates after scoring a goal against Sporting Kansas City

Though, Leonardo Campana capitalized on a penalty kick to bring Miami level in the 25th minute, striking past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Tim Melia.

Campana’s second of the match put the home side ahead 2-1 in the 45th minute. After losing control of the ball in the box, DeAndre Yedlin recovered it down low on the right side and whipped a cross that Campana headed past Melia.

Miami took advantage of Kansas City napping on a quick restart after a stoppage to extend the lead to 3-1 in the 60th minute. 

As defender Andreu Fontas tried to argue a handball against Miami, Sergio Busquets took the ball for a free kick, sending a long pass to Facundo Farias, who drove up the right side unmarked before firing it past Melia.

Alan Pulido scored from high in the box into the far corner to narrow it to 3-2 in the 78th minute. 

Tim Leibold nearly brought Kansas City level in the 85th minute with a shot from just inside the box that was blocked by Miami defender Kamal Miller and deflected wide.

The first-ever matchup between the clubs was a sweet one for the Herons as they kept in touch with the Eastern Conference playoffs. 

Messi controls the ball during a qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Ecuador

Lionel Messi waved to fans as he was spotted leaving a medical center in Argentina Saturday

Messi played for Argentina in the team’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on Thursday, scoring a brilliant free-kick to seal the victory, but may have suffered a minor injury. 

He was substituted in the 89th minute and it was later confirmed by coach Lionel Scaloni that he ‘felt something’ and asked to be removed.

Messi has since undergone precautionary medical tests, and was spotted leaving IMAXE medical center on Saturday, while hundreds of fans clamored for a glimpse of him outside the facilities.

The Inter Miami man smiled and waved at fans, and did not appear to be limping, but his presence at the medical center will raise concerns for fans of both his club and country.

The Inter Miami squad are still in the playoff race and are six points out of the East’s nine seed

Inter Miami sit second-last in the East but are only eight points off D.C. United, who hold the last playoff spot as we speak. 

Miami sit on 28pts with 26 games played, while the ninth-placed D.C. squad have 34 points from 28 matches. 

Sitting just a point above Wayne Rooney’s side are CF Montreal, who have played 27 games.