The National Times - Miami struggle to 2-0 win over Jamaica's Cavalier

Messi, who was also absent for Sunday's 4-1 win at the Houston in Major League Soccer, is not believed to be suffering from any injury and the club has described his non-selection as 'load management'.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano clearly believed his team was good enough to beat their Caribbean opponents without the Argentine World Cup winner but for the opening hour that looked far from certain.

The Kingston side impressed as they threatened on the counter-attack, showed energy in midfield and were solid at the back against a lacklustre Miami team.

Indeed, the visitors could have gone ahead in the 28th minute when Jamilio Rigters whipped a cross from the left towards the far post but the arriving Jalmaro Calvin couldn't get his shot on target.

Minutes later, the Jamaican side were denied by the woodwork when Calvin was found inside the box and the ball deflected off the lunging David Martinez and struck the post.

Just before half-time, the Jamaicans thought they had the lead when Miami failed to deal with a free-kick into the box and Richard King set up Shaquille Stein who slotted home.

The celebrations were cut short though by the referee indicating a VAR review which went on for several minutes before, to the fury of the away side, the effort was ruled out for offside.

There was a more determined approach from Miami after the break and they were rewarded in the 61st minute when after a goalmouth scramble the ball fell to Tadeo Allende who fired into the corner.

Cavalier paid the price for their high-energy approach in the first half, tiring as the game wore on and weary defending in the 83rd minute was punished by Luis Suarez who pounced after a mis-control by Shamar Watson and tucked home the second.

The return leg will be played in Kingston on March 13.

A.M.Murray--TNT