As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, all eyes are on Inter Miami and their superstar Lionel Messi. The Herons are facing a daunting task against Los Angeles FC (LAFC), needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit to keep their dreams of advancing alive. The match is set for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, and it’s being dubbed "The Comeback Game" by Miami, who are desperate for a turnaround after a disappointing performance in the first leg.
In that first leg, played at LAFC's BMO Stadium, Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm, managing only three shots on target and failing to score for the first time under head coach Javier Mascherano. LAFC's Nathan Ordaz struck in the 57th minute, giving the hosts the crucial lead heading into the second leg. Following that setback, Miami faced Toronto FC in MLS action but could only secure a 1-1 draw, further compounding the pressure on the squad.
Messi, who has been nursing a minor muscle injury, is expected to play in the crucial match. The 37-year-old Argentine has been a beacon of hope for Miami, being their leading goalscorer this season and recently becoming the club's all-time leader in goal contributions. His fitness has been a hot topic, especially after missing international duty with Argentina in March, but he has returned to full training and played the full 90 minutes in both the first leg against LAFC and the subsequent match against Toronto.
However, the Herons will have to navigate this high-stakes match without the services of veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. This absence is significant, as Busquets has been a key player in the midfield, providing leadership and facilitating play. Mascherano acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We can’t replace him. He’s irreplaceable." Yannick Bright, who has stepped up in Busquets' absence, emphasized the need for teamwork to fill the void left by the Spanish World Cup winner.
Miami's defense will also be tested against a formidable LAFC side that has a wealth of experience in knockout competitions, having reached the Champions Cup finals in both 2020 and 2023. Head coach Steve Cherundolo has instilled a strong defensive mindset in his team, which will be crucial as they aim to stifle Miami's attacking threats, particularly Messi and Luis Suárez.
As the match approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher. If LAFC scores even once in Fort Lauderdale, Miami will need to score at least three goals to advance due to the away goals tiebreaker rule. This adds an extra layer of urgency to the Herons' game plan, as they must balance the need for aggressive attacking with the risk of leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks.
Mascherano remains optimistic, citing the excitement of such pivotal matches as a motivating factor for his players. "This is the most beautiful aspect of soccer: being able to play these types of games," he remarked. The coach's confidence seems to resonate with his squad, who are eager to make history by reaching the semifinals for the first time.
Messi’s presence alone brings a level of excitement and expectation. After scoring twice in the recent draw against Toronto, albeit with one goal disallowed, he is poised to make a significant impact in this do-or-die scenario. Mascherano noted, "For great players like him, these kinds of matches are an extra motivation."
On the other side, LAFC enters the match with their own ambitions. With a slight aggregate lead, they are determined to capitalize on their momentum and secure a spot in the semifinals. Cherundolo has indicated that his team will not adopt a defensive posture; instead, they will aim to control the game and create scoring opportunities. “It’s not our idea to come out and defend for 90-plus minutes,” he stated. The LAFC defense will need to replicate their success from the first leg, where they managed to keep Messi and the Herons scoreless.
The atmosphere in Fort Lauderdale is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their team in hopes of witnessing a historic comeback. The match will be broadcast live on FS1 and TUDN, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. For Miami, this is not just a game; it’s a chance to rewrite their history in the Concacaf Champions Cup and prove their mettle against a formidable opponent.
As the teams prepare to clash, the narrative is set: can Messi and Inter Miami rise to the occasion, or will LAFC continue their quest for another Champions Cup title? One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the drama is palpable as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
