The Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals are set to begin this Tuesday, featuring an even split of teams from MLS and Liga MX. These eight remaining teams are all vying for the top club prize in North America. Inter Miami, boosted by Lionel Messi, has had a smooth run in the competition so far and will now face LAFC, the 2023 finalists who have had a somewhat inconsistent start to their MLS season. This is the only all-MLS matchup in this round. Meanwhile, Liga MX leaders Club America will play against Cruz Azul in an all-Liga MX quarterfinal. The other quarterfinal matches will pit MLS teams against Mexican teams, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and competitive comparison between these two neighboring leagues.
Similar to previous stages, the quarterfinals will be decided over two legs played across two weeks. Advancement to the semifinals will be awarded to the team with the higher aggregate score. If the aggregate score is tied after both legs, extra time and potentially penalties will be used to determine the winner of the second leg.
Here’s a preview of what to expect in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.
How to Watch
All times U.S./Eastern
Tuesday, April 1
- Club America vs. Cruz Azul (FS2)
- LA Galaxy vs. Tigres (FS2)
Wednesday, April 2
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas (FS2)
- LAFC vs. Inter Miami (FS1)
Tuesday, April 8
- Tigres vs. LA Galaxy
- Cruz Azul vs. Club America
Wednesday, April 9
- Inter Miami vs. LAFC
- Pumas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: Messi`s participation will depend on his fitness levels. However, Inter Miami`s coach, Javier Mascherano, has indicated that the Champions Cup is a major priority for the team early in the season. Messi played significantly in the first round against Sporting Kansas City but then took a step back in both the CCC and MLS due to a minor injury. His recent return and goal in Miami`s 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union suggest he is likely to play a key role and make a considerable impact for his team.
When healthy, Messi has been a highly influential player for Miami this season, living up to the expectations since joining in 2023. He has scored five goals in six games across all competitions this season, with three of those goals in the Champions Cup. He is currently just one goal behind the tournament`s top scorer, Angel Sepulveda of Cruz Azul. Messi`s playmaking ability is also notable, as he has already provided two assists in MLS play this season.
Storyline to Watch
MLS vs. Liga MX: The quarterfinals present a balanced contest between MLS and Liga MX, with each league having four teams represented. Both leagues are guaranteed to have at least one team in the semifinals due to the intraleague matchups. The performance of these teams will provide further insights into the competitive balance between these neighboring leagues.
Inter Miami is the most prominent MLS team, and their strong performance, including winning the Supporters` Shield last year and currently leading the table after six games, shows they are living up to the hype. The Vancouver Whitecaps have also been impressive, currently leading the Western Conference and representing another strong MLS contender. However, the Los Angeles teams face different scenarios. LAFC has been inconsistent and may struggle against a strong Miami side, while the LA Galaxy are still seeking their first MLS win after six games and could find it challenging against Tigres.
Ultimately, the competition raises the recurring question: Can an MLS team win the trophy? Historically, Mexican teams have dominated the CCC, partly because the tournament starts during the Liga MX season and at the beginning of the MLS season, giving Mexican teams a fitness advantage. The Seattle Sounders remain the only MLS team to have won the CCC title in recent years, achieving this in 2022, but they are still an exception to the general trend.
