LAFC Edges Out Messi and Miami in Champions Cup Thriller
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) handed Lionel Messi and Inter Miami their first defeat of the season with a stunning 1-0 victory in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal clash. A crucial goal in the 57th minute from Nathan Ordaz, a Los Angeles-born El Salvador international, gave LAFC a valuable advantage heading into the return leg next week in Florida.
Messi and Miami entered the match unbeaten in nine games across all competitions this season and were seen as the top team in Major League Soccer (MLS). However, after a cautious first half in which neither team took control, LAFC intensified their play after the break and began to create opportunities for themselves.
In the 54th minute, LAFC fullback Ryan Hollingshead had a huge opportunity but unfortunately sent his shot sailing wide after making a great run into the penalty area. Just three minutes later, the home team took the lead when 21-year-old striker Ordaz made an impressive play, spinning away from Sergio Busquets—who, as we know, has a storied history with Barcelona and the Spanish national team—and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, beating Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari.
On the other hand, Argentinian superstar Messi, who was making his first start after a two-week injury layoff, struggled to leave his mark on the game. It seemed like LAFC was the more likely team to score, especially with a lively crowd of 22,207 at the BMO Stadium. Among the fans were notable figures like NBA star Stephen Curry, Miami team owner David Beckham, and Argentina’s national team manager, Lionel Scaloni.
In the 63rd minute, US international Aaron Long headed just over the bar from a free kick, and moments later, Miami defender Maxi Falcon made a desperate goal-line block to deny LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman. Falcon was one of the few Miami players to threaten in the second half, glancing a header toward the bottom corner, but LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, a former France international, comfortably gathered the ball.
As frustration mounted for Miami, Busquets received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Cengiz Ünder. Messi’s disappointing night culminated in his failure to convert a free kick in a promising position deep into stoppage time; his shot soared well over the bar, allowing LAFC to secure a well-deserved victory.
