In a thrilling encounter at BMO Stadium, LAFC edged out Inter Miami 1-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals on April 2, 2025. The match drew a sold-out crowd of 22,206 fans, many of whom were eager to see Lionel Messi take the field in Los Angeles once again.
The game was marked by high expectations, with fans from both sides hoping for an exciting display of soccer. LAFC, under the guidance of coach Steve Cherundolo, aimed to leverage their home advantage against an Inter Miami team led by Javier Mascherano, featuring the legendary Messi.
From the outset, the match was tightly contested, with both teams battling for control in midfield. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga showcased his speed and skill, attempting to break through Miami’s defense. However, the visitors, anchored by the experienced Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, held their ground well.
The first half saw few clear chances, with Messi attempting to connect with his teammates but struggling to find the right opportunities. LAFC had their moments, but Miami's defense remained resolute, blocking several attempts. Messi came close with a free kick in the 37th minute, but LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a comfortable save.
The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute when Nathan Ordaz, a 21-year-old product of LAFC’s academy, scored the only goal of the match. Receiving a pass from Mark Delgado, Ordaz skillfully maneuvered around Busquets before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box that found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Ordaz’s goal not only put LAFC ahead but also shifted the momentum of the match. Miami struggled to respond, with Messi trying to rally his team but finding it difficult to penetrate LAFC's defense. Despite some attempts from the Argentine, including a long-range shot in the 85th minute that was saved by Lloris, Miami could not find an equalizer.
Defensively, Maxi Falcón made a crucial play for Miami, clearing a close-range effort from Timothy Tillman off the line, keeping the score at 1-0. The tension mounted as time ticked away, with Miami desperately seeking a goal to take into the second leg.
The match concluded with LAFC securing a vital victory, giving them an edge heading into the return leg scheduled for April 9, 2025, in Miami. Inter Miami will need to regroup and find a way to overcome this deficit if they hope to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.
As the players left the field, the atmosphere was electric, with LAFC fans celebrating their team’s performance while Miami supporters remained hopeful for a comeback in the next match. The stage is set for an intense second leg, where Messi and his teammates will aim to reverse their fortunes against a confident LAFC side.
This match not only highlighted the talent on display but also the fierce competition in the Concacaf Champions Cup, as both teams vie for a place in the semifinals. As the excitement continues to build, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next in this gripping soccer saga.
In the post-match reflections, both coaches expressed their thoughts on the game. Cherundolo praised Ordaz for his decisive goal, while Mascherano acknowledged the need for his team to adapt and respond better in the second leg. The rivalry between these two teams promises to deliver more thrilling moments as they battle for supremacy in North American soccer.
