Lionel Messi scored the opening goal of Inter Miami CF’s 2025 season Wednesday night in Concacaf Champions Cup competition, proving that he is unfazed by below-freezing weather.

Landon Donovan, the 2024 MLS MVP, struck a right-footed shot past Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp after chesting down a cross-field flick from fellow FC Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets.

When Messi scored in the 56th minute, the temperature at Children’s Mercy Park was in the single digits and felt like it was approaching the minus teens. Because of the severe winter circumstances in the Kansas City area, the game was actually postponed by one day.

That’s ultimately no match for the Argentine legend, whose Inter Miami will play SKC for Leg 2 of their Round One series next week in an attempt to advance in the Champions Cup. In order to advance in the coveted continental championship, the aggregate winner will play Jamaican team Cavalier FC in the Round of 16.

In an attempt to build on last year’s Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign, Messi and Inter Miami will play New York City FC on Saturday to begin their 2025 regular season (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+). Last season, their captain led them to an MLS-record 74 points with an incredible 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games.