On April 2, 2025, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) edged out Inter Miami CF 1-0 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The match’s pivotal moment arrived in the 56th minute when LAFC’s Nathan Ordaz, receiving a pass from Mark Delgado, maneuvered past Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets and unleashed a precise right-footed shot from outside the box, finding the bottom right corner of the net past goalkeeper Óscar Ustari.
Match Overview:
First Half
Inter Miami dominated possession, holding over 58% of the ball. However, LAFC’s defense remained resolute, limiting Miami’s scoring opportunities. When chances did arise, their goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was there to make crucial saves.
Second Half
The game’s tempo intensified. In the 56th minute, Ordaz’s goal shifted the momentum in favor of LAFC. Inter Miami sought to respond, creating several chances, but Lloris and the LAFC defense thwarted their efforts. Notably, Timothy Tillman’s attempt in the 63rd minute was blocked, and a follow-up by Ordaz was also denied.
Player Highlights:
Nathan Ordaz (LAFC)
The young forward’s decisive goal underscored his potential and importance to the team. This marked his second goal in the Champions Cup this season, placing him second on the team behind Dénis Bouanga.
Hugo Lloris (LAFC)
The veteran goalkeeper’s performance was instrumental, earning his third consecutive home clean sheet in Champions Cup play.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
The global icon struggled to make an impact, with LAFC’s defense effectively neutralizing his influence throughout the match.
Lionel Messi’s Performance:
Lionel Messi, who had been instrumental in Inter Miami’s Champions Cup campaign with three goals and two assists in the tournament’s early rounds, faced a challenging evening. Since joining Miami two years ago, Messi had consistently contributed with either a goal or an assist in each of his six Champions Cup appearances. In this match, Messi played the entire 90 minutes, registering five shots, two of which were on target. Both attempts were thwarted by LAFC’s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, who made key saves to keep Messi off the scoresheet.
A significant opportunity arose in stoppage time when Messi curled a free kick just over the crossbar, reflecting his frustration and the team’s inability to break down LAFC’s defense.
What’s Next
The aggregate-goal series now shifts to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the second leg on April 9, 2025, at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami faces the challenge of overturning the one-goal deficit to advance to the semifinals.
