The Concacaf Champions Cup is heating up as it enters the quarterfinals. Los Angeles FC is set to host Inter Miami in a highly anticipated match on Wednesday night. Both teams are serious contenders for the title, and with only eight teams remaining, the stakes are high.
Inter Miami comes into this match with confidence, remaining undefeated under their new coach Javier Mascherano. LAFC, however, is navigating a period of adjustment after significant roster changes in the offseason and recently suffered a defeat to San Diego FC. They will be looking to rebound strongly at home in this first leg, especially with away goals serving as a tiebreaker in the competition.
Lionel Messi has been a key player for Miami, contributing with goals or assists in every game he`s played this season. Even in his last appearance against the Philadelphia Union, he came off the bench and immediately scored. This makes it very likely that Miami will find the net in Los Angeles, putting pressure on LAFC`s defensive strategy led by Steve Cherundolo.
This game will also mark a notable reunion between Messi and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The two faced each other in the dramatic 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout. In that memorable match, Messi scored twice during regular and extra time and also converted his penalty.
Key Match Details
- Match: LAFC vs. Inter Miami
- Competition: Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals
- Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Messi to Start
Lionel Messi is expected to be in the starting lineup for this game, after starting on the bench against the Philadelphia Union. His presence from the beginning will be a major boost for Miami as they aim for a positive result in the first leg in Los Angeles.
Inter Miami Predicted Starting XI: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Gonzalo Lujan, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Previous Encounter
The last time these two teams met was in an MLS game in March 2023, just over two years ago. Only a few players from those starting lineups are still with their respective teams. Interestingly, Messi provided an assist in that previous match. While even fewer of those players are likely to start this upcoming game, the influence of Denis Bouanga for LAFC and Messi for Miami will be crucial in determining the outcome. Miami might have a slight advantage, having rested some players in their match against Philadelphia.
Match Prediction
Predicting a winner is challenging early in the season, especially for LAFC, who are still integrating many new players. While Miami also has new faces, they appear to be in better form currently. Until a team finds a way to effectively stop Inter Miami and contain Messi`s goal contributions, they will be a formidable opponent. Expect a tough match, but Inter Miami might just edge out a victory away from home. Predicted score: LAFC 0, Inter Miami 2
Player Spotlight
Noah Allen, Inter Miami: Allen has transitioned to center back from left back and has been instrumental in strengthening Miami`s defense. His matchup against Bouanga will be a significant test, but his positional awareness could be key to Miami`s success in this first leg.
Match Storyline
Can Miami Secure an Away Goal? In a knockout competition, securing an away goal is often crucial. For LAFC, keeping a clean sheet at home is vital. However, given their recent defensive performances and Miami`s attacking prowess, this will be a difficult task. If Miami manages to score and take an away goal advantage back to Fort Lauderdale, it could be a significant step towards winning the tie.
Adrian Whitmore