LAFC vs Inter Miami: Inter Miami suffers first loss of 2025 with a 1-0 defeat in Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal opener. In the much awaited encounter, Nathan Ordaz scored the game-winning goal at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night after Lionel Messi unable to convert opportunities.
Messi’s Tough Night in Los Angeles
Messi played the entire match but was unable to provide a breakthrough for Inter Miami. He missed three free kicks, including a last-minute attempt, and failed to score in one-on-one opportunities against LAFC’s veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Messi showed traces of rust in this, his second complete game since recovering from a left adductor ailment. Miami was unable to take advantage of its opportunities even though it had possession for extended periods of time.
Nathan Ordaz Seals the Win for LAFC
The turning point came in the 57th minute, when Nathan Ordaz, a 21-year-old homegrown talent, found the back of the net. Ordaz had avoided a red card in the first half after a heated moment with Inter Miami’s Maxi Falcón, which Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano later criticized.
“It’s a red card here, in China, and on the moon,” Mascherano said after the match, referencing Ordaz’s first-half altercation.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami will host LAFC for the second leg on April 9 at DRV PNK Stadium in Miami. However, Sergio Busquets will be suspended after receiving a second yellow card. Before then, both teams will play MLS matches this weekend, with Inter Miami facing Toronto FC and LAFC visiting Houston Dynamo.
Despite the loss, Mascherano remains optimistic:
“We didn’t have the best night, but it’s only the first leg. We’ll be ready next week.”
Stars in Attendance
The match attracted several high-profile guests, including:
- Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler from the NBA
- David Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner and former LA Galaxy star
- Lionel Richie, Becky G, and Kendall Jenner
- Messi’s Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni
With the series still open, all eyes are now on the second leg, where Messi and Inter Miami will look to bounce back and keep their Concacaf Champions Cup hopes alive.
Source: USA Today