Messi put his right hand on the back of Ballouchy’s neck and squeezed hard enough that it appeared to stun him.

It's going to be a very busy spring, summer, and fall for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who are led by Javier Mascherano in their defense of the Supporters' Shield and quest for a first MLS Cup.

A gorgeous first-half goal from Lionel Messi set the tone for Inter Miami, which won the second leg of its Concacaf Champions Cup first-round matchup against Sporting Kansas City by a comfortable 3-1 margin on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.