Messi expected to play in Inter Miami's frigid Concacaf Cup opener despite weather warnings

Inter Miami's opening match in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday is under threat due to extreme cold weather, with temperatures expected to plummet to single digits and wind chills potentially reaching -18 degrees Fahrenheit. While Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, has confirmed that Lionel Messi is fit to play, there are concerns about the Argentine star's willingness to participate in such frigid conditions, with reports indicating he might prefer to skip the game. The match is still scheduled to proceed, but both teams are exploring the possibility of postponement or relocation to avoid the severe weather, which has prompted a winter storm warning in Kansas City. Fans are advised to dress warmly, and local authorities are preparing to provide heat sources at the stadium. The game will mark Messi's first competitive outing of the 2025 season, following a successful previous year with Inter Miami. If the match occurs, it could set a record for the coldest official senior football match in the U.S.