LAFC Edges Inter Miami 1-0 In Champions Cup Clash

The CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals kicked off with a thrilling matchup as LAFC faced off against Inter Miami at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on April 2, 2025. The highly anticipated clash featured some of soccer's biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, who made his return to the starting lineup for Miami. However, it was 21-year-old LAFC forward Nathan Ordaz who stole the show, scoring the only goal of the match in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory for the home team.

Fans filled the stadium, eager to witness the talents of Messi and his teammates, while celebrities like Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green were also in attendance. The atmosphere was electric as the two teams prepared to battle it out for a place in the semifinals of this prestigious tournament.

The stakes were high, with the winner of the CONCACAF Champions Cup earning a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The match was broadcast on FS1, with streaming options available on DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

As the game unfolded, Miami controlled possession in the first half, boasting 59% to LAFC's 41%. Despite their dominance, they struggled to capitalize on their chances, and the score remained tied at 0-0 at halftime. Messi, who had recently returned from an adductor injury, took two free kicks but was unable to find the back of the net.

Referee Oshane Nation made a pivotal decision in the 26th minute when he opted to show Ordaz a yellow card instead of a red after a controversial incident where he struck Miami defender Maxi Falcon in the face. The decision was met with criticism from Miami's coach Javier Mascherano, who stated, "We all saw what happened, it was clear, and that is not open to interpretation. When you hit a player aggressively without the ball, that is a red card here, in China and on the moon."

In the second half, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo's decision to keep Ordaz on the field paid off. In the 57th minute, Ordaz took advantage of a gap in Miami's defense to score, giving LAFC the lead. The goal marked a significant moment for the young forward, who has been making a name for himself in the tournament.

Despite the setback, Mascherano remained optimistic about Miami's chances in the second leg of the series set for April 9 in Fort Lauderdale. However, they will have to navigate that match without star midfielder Sergio Busquets, who will be suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Mascherano acknowledged the impact of Busquets' absence, stating, "It’s a huge loss. We all know everything he means for this team, not only on the field, but his knowledge of the game and how he helps his teammates. But we will try to find a way to make up for his absence and focus on trying to give the players the tools they need to have a good game and advance to the semifinals."

Messi's performance, although not resulting in a goal, showcased his skill and determination. He had scored the game-winning goal in his previous match against the Philadelphia Union just two minutes after entering the field, and fans were hopeful for a similar impact in this contest. However, LAFC's defense, led by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, effectively contained Miami's attacking threats, including Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba.

LAFC's victory comes at a crucial time as they seek to regain their form after a rocky start to the season, having won only two of their last six matches across all competitions. The Black & Gold have historically had success in the Champions Cup, finishing as runners-up in 2020 and 2023, and they are eager to make another deep run this year.

In the other quarterfinal matchup, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Pumas UNAM played to a 1-1 draw in their first leg, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal round. The aggregate winner of the LAFC vs. Inter Miami matchup will face the winner of that series.

As the match concluded, the focus shifted to the upcoming second leg, where Miami will look to rally their fans at home and overturn the deficit. With Messi leading the charge and a strong support system, they remain hopeful of advancing to the semifinals despite the challenges ahead. The excitement surrounding the tournament continues to build, and fans are eager to see how this thrilling saga unfolds.

This matchup not only highlights the growing competitiveness of soccer in North America but also showcases the star power that draws fans to the stadiums. With the CONCACAF Champions Cup providing a platform for clubs to compete on a continental stage, the stakes have never been higher for both LAFC and Inter Miami.