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Messi is here but Cavalier has plan to stop Inter Miami
March 13, 2025
CAVALIER'S head coach Rudolph Speid says the tie is far from over as they prepare to face the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami in their Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 second-leg at the National Stadium. Kick-off time is 7 p.m.
Messi and the Inter Miami squad flew into Jamaica last night, and, according to Speid, his team plans to stop them from getting on the scoresheet and get at least two goals at the other end.
"One thing we know, our job is very easy. Stop Inter Miami from scoring and score two goals. We can set up the team a little bit different for that to happen and that is what we are going to do. I don't know if it will work. But we have a plan," he said.
"Trust me. This is not over. We are not going to lay down and die. We are going to play for the result we desire."
Since Cavalier were paired against Inter Miami in the draw, the focus has been centred around Messi, and Speid thinks that is disrespect to the rest of the team that will parade former Barcelona stars such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
"The team is Inter Miami. I think it is disrespectful for the other players, to say the team is not a team without Messi. I know he is regarded as a really good player, one of the greatest ever. But at the same time we have a plan if he doesn't play and we have a plan if he plays," he commented.
A lot of the fans this evening will be there to get a glimpse of Messi but Speid does not mind.
"I am happy that he will come. I am not the sort of coach that wants players not to play, to win a game. I want him to come. I want him to play. I want our players to do the best they can do against him. But the truth is we have a plan if he plays and if he does not play.
He added that Cavalier are under no pressure coming into the tie being the underdogs, and he believes an early goal would set them on their way.
"I think they (Miami) will play like they have played against all teams. They will try to score as many goals as they can but our plan is clear. We must score the first goal and keep them off the scoresheet."
Inter Miami will enter today's match as the overwhelming favourites after coming away with a 2-0 win against Cavalier last week. They were not at their best but still good enough to ease past Cavalier.
Inter Miami dominated the first leg at home while the Argentine skipper watched from the stands.. Their ball possession was 69 per cent to Cavalier's 31, they had five shots on goal to Cavalier's one and eight corners to three. With the experience and quality they have on their roster they should dominate again and if the wily Messi takes the field Cavalier's job will be even harder.
Yesterday, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said a decision will be taken today on what role Messi will play in the game.
"Tomorrow (Thursday) we will decide for the game what is best, if he starts or waits on the bench and comes in later. Today (Wednesday) he trained with the team, and the sensations were good. We're happy he'll travel with us to Jamaica," he said.
