For Messi's Miami, the focus will turn to their bid for a first MLS Cup and their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Messi tucked the 84th minute spot kick into the corner to complete the comeback for Miami and earn them a place in the last four.
A 57th-minute strike from Los Angeles-born El Salvador international Nathan Ordaz handed LAFC a precious advantage heading into next Wednesday's return leg in Florida.
Messi scored in the 1-0 first-leg win in icy Kansas City last week and it took him only 19 minutes to find the target at a much warmer Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale in the return.
Messi struck in the 56th minute at Children's Mercy Park, showing superb individual skill before rifling a low angled shot past Sporting goalkeeper John Pulskamp.
Mexican side Monterrey sent Lionel Messi and Inter Miami crashing out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday after completing a 5-2 aggregate victory in their quarter-final clash.
Miami had on Wednesday after completing a 5-3 aggregate victory.
Miami had on Wednesday after completing a 5-3 aggregate victory.
