Inter Miami took a significant step towards the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup as they faced Cavalier in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup. However, the absence of star player Lionel Messi posed a challenge for the team, raising questions about his fitness.

Head coach Javier Mascherano revealed that while Messi is not currently injured, he is dealing with fatigue and a slight overload, making his participation in both the upcoming MLS game against Charlotte and the second leg against Cavalier uncertain.

From the outset, it was evident that Messi’s absence was felt, particularly during the first half. Despite having control of the ball, Inter Miami found themselves on the back foot as the Jamaican side created several dangerous opportunities. Calvin’s attempt at goal rattled the crossbar after a close deflection from David Martínez, preventing an early lead for Cavalier.

Read more: Why Messi Will Not Play in Inter Miami vs. Cavalier in the Champions Cup As the first half came to a close, the referee added six minutes of stoppage time. However, it was Cavalier who broke the deadlock shortly after the break at the 51-minute mark, with Stein’s effort finding the net. Yet, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out, and the teams went into halftime at 0-0.

Upon returning for the second half, Inter Miami gained more control over the game, and in the 61st minute, Tadeo Allende put them ahead with a well-placed goal. This sparked a shift in momentum, with the team feeling more secure and starting to dictate play.

Despite Cavalier’s attempts to equalize, Luis Suárez sealed the match for Inter Miami with a second goal in the 83rd minute, giving them a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at National Stadium Independence Park in the Caribbean.

The return leg is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, where Mascherano and his squad will aim to finish the job on enemy territory, leveraging their comfortable lead. A significant question remains for the Floridian side: will they have their talismanic leader Messi available, or will the coaching staff choose to rest him for the next round if they secure advancement?

Read more: Messi set to miss Inter Miami’s first leg against Jamaica’s Cavalier