Without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami defeat Sporting KC at home 3-2 and pick up crucial 3 points

Inter Miami were concerned heading into Saturday's MLS regular season game against Sporting KC for one main reason: they were going to be without Lionel Messi. Despite the absence of the soccer superstar, Miami continued their impressive goalscoring ways and earned three points with a 3-2 home win.

Sporting took the early lead through Daniel Salloi before Leonardo Campana buried a penalty kick that he earned himself in the 25th minute.

Late in the first half, Campana secured his brace with a towering header over Sporting's defense. DeAndre Yedlin delivered the pinpoint cross from the right flank.

In the 60th minute, Facundo Farias gave Inter a 3-1 lead in peculiar fashion. Sergio Busquets played a quick free-kick and found Farias completely wide open behind the defense. Farias took his time and deposited his finish past the goalkeeper.

Sporting cut the deficit in the 79th minute, but Miami held on for the important home victory.

Playoffs closer than ever

Inter Miami are now only six points behind DC United, who sit in the 9th and final playoff spot. Miami have two games in hand and are setting themselves up for a good chance at sneaking into the postseason.

They should have Messi back for their next game on September 16 against Atlanta United. But it's not just Messi they'll get back. Josef Martinez, Diego Gomez, Robert Taylor, Benjamin Cremaschi, Serhiy Kryvtsov, David Ruiz, and Edison Azcona were all out on national team duties as well.

With all of those players back, Miami will be full-steam ahead in their playoff push. They will also host the Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on September 27.