Inter Miami has officially secured its place in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash against Los Angeles FC (LAFC) next month. This matchup not only promises to be thrilling but is also seen by many as being akin to an early final, as both teams boast top-tier talent and aspirations of claiming the prestigious title.
The qualification came following Inter Miami’s decisive 2-0 victory over Jamaica's Cavalier FC on March 13, 2025, which resulted in a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate win in the Round of 16. Lionel Messi, making his return to action after being rested for three games, played a pivotal role. Coming off the bench at the 53rd minute, Messi quickly made his presence felt, scoring just before the final whistle.
"We knew Leo wasn't playing for the last three or four games," Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said after the match. "Obviously, we wanted him playing, but we need to know and to find the moment to send him to the pitch. I think it was good because he felt very good on the pitch. He could score. The people in Jamaica could see him, so great, great night for everyone."
The stage for this thrilling contest was set at Jamaica’s National Stadium, where the match was moved from Cavalier’s usual 3,000-seat facility to accommodate the large number of fans eager to witness the Argentine superstar. With the stadium's capacity reaching 35,000, it was clear this was not just another game; it was Messi's first official match on Jamaican soil, and the excitement was palpable.
Inter Miami had already established a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at home, thanks to previous goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez. During the second leg, Suárez extended the lead with another goal from the penalty spot after Allende was fouled inside the box.
Messi’s return not only energized the players but also thrilled the crowd, who had come to see their legend perform. His goal came as the icing on the cake, assisted by 18-year-old Santiago Morales, marking the young player’s contribution to Miami’s success. This performance was also reflective of the growing talent pool within the club, with Morales representing the future of Inter Miami football.
Looking forward, the Herons are set to face LAFC between April 1-3, with the home leg to follow between April 8-10, 2025. This upcoming clash will undoubtedly be the toughest test yet for Mascherano’s squad, which has aspirations to secure its first-ever trophy this season. Notably, last season ended without silverware, heightening the urgency to secure victory this time around.
If Inter Miami can navigate past LAFC, they will find themselves contending with either Vancouver Whitecaps or Pumas in the semifinals, leveraging home advantage as they vie for the CONCACAF Champions Cup title. A win here would not only bring glory to the club but would also earn them entry to the prestigious Intercontinental Cup later this year.
With the momentum from their recent performances, fans and analysts alike are hopeful about Inter Miami's prospects. Players like Suárez, who has tallied impressive stats this season, continue to shine, and with Messi now actively contributing, the team's potency increases significantly. Coach Mascherano is focused and optimistic, believing strongly in the team's ability to rise to the occasion.
“We’re continuously working on our project and need to secure at least one trophy this year,” Mascherano said. He emphasized the importance of stepping up against the best opponents, starting with LAFC, which has been one of the most formidable teams this season.
Beyond the tactical preparations, this match symbolizes much more for Inter Miami. The presence of Messi not only boosts morale but also elevates the club's status on the international stage. The sheer allure of one of football's greatest legends inspires the squad and energizes the fanbase, creating excitement throughout the community.
Indeed, Inter Miami's road to international glory is paved with challenges, yet with the return of their star man and the growing confidence within the squad, they appear ready to face whatever lies ahead. The curtain may have just risen on this chapter of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but with expectations high, the dream is alive and thriving.