Just days prior to the commencement of the 2025 MLS season, Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami will initiate their campaigns in the opening round of the Concacaf Champions Cup as both teams embark on their pursuit of continental success.
Inter Miami secured a position in the North American club championship by triumphing in the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, positioning them as the frontrunners in this matchup due to their illustrious roster, spearheaded by Lionel Messi. Sporting Kansas City will participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup after securing the position of runners-up in the previous year’s U.S. Open Cup.
Here is the essential information to consider before to tuning in.
Methods for seeing and associated probabilities
Date: Wednesday, February 18 | Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time
Venue: Children’s Mercy Park — Kansas City, Kansas.
Television: Fox Sports 2 | Live stream: Fubo (available for free trial)
Probabilities: Sporting Kansas City +150; Draw +260; Inter Miami +170
Narratives
Following the acquisition of two trophies during Lionel Messi’s initial two seasons with the club, expectations for Inter Miami to secure further significant silverware will be elevated once more. New head coach Javier Mascherano will have the majority of his players at his disposal, including former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Given the opposition, a Sporting Kansas City team that ranked second-to-last in the Western Conference in 2024, this appears to be an optimal opportunity for Miami to commence their season robustly. However, there exists a slightly distinctive complication: the weather.
Concacaf rescheduled the game from Tuesday to Wednesday due to wind chills that create a perceived temperature of -13 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday evening in Kansas City. Wednesday is projected to remain relatively cold, with the forecast indicating a perceived temperature of -11 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. The conditions pose challenges for the players and attendees, raising inquiries regarding Messi’s availability. Mascherano stated on Monday that Messi “will play,” according to The Athletic, although the head coach did not elaborate on the duration of the 37-year-old’s participation. Messi’s playing time will certainly be regulated this season, and Inter Miami faces a demanding week with their MLS opening against New York City FC on Saturday and the second leg of the CCC encounter on Tuesday.
Forecast
Given the circumstances, the players may want to focus on survival rather than showcase significant preseason strategies. Anticipate a low-scoring contest; nevertheless, Miami’s prominent athletes may still produce one or two moments of brilliance to secure a victory in the chilly conditions. Sporting Kansas City 0, Inter Miami 1
