The Concacaf Champions Cup is heating up as Los Angeles FC prepares to host Inter Miami in the quarterfinal round. Both LAFC and Inter Miami are aiming for the championship title, and with only eight teams remaining, the stakes are high.
Inter Miami enters the match with confidence, having remained undefeated under their new coach Javier Mascherano. LAFC, on the other hand, is looking to regain momentum after recent team changes and a loss to San Diego FC. They need a strong home performance in this first leg, especially with away goals serving as a tiebreaker.
Lionel Messi has been a key player for Miami, contributing with goals or assists in every game he`s played this season. Even after starting on the bench against the Philadelphia Union, he quickly scored a goal upon entering the match. Miami`s strong attack, led by Messi, will challenge LAFC`s defense.
This game will also be a notable rematch between Messi and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who previously faced off in the dramatic 2022 World Cup final where Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout.
Match Details
- Teams: LAFC vs. Inter Miami
- Competition: Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals
- Date: Wednesday, April 2
- Time: 11:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Messi to Start
Lionel Messi is expected to be in Inter Miami`s starting lineup for this crucial first leg match against LAFC, after starting on the bench in their previous game against Philadelphia.
Projected Inter Miami 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 LAFC and Inter Miami played was in March 2023 in an MLS regular season match. Many players from those lineups are no longer with their respective teams. While Messi provided an assist in that game, the upcoming match will likely be decided by key players like Denis Bouanga for LAFC and Messi for Inter Miami. Inter Miami might have an advantage due to resting players in their recent game.
Expert Prediction
Betting Tip: Inter Miami to score 2 or more goals (+150): Despite some uncertainty around LAFC`s defense this season, their recent performance against San Diego FC suggests Miami`s strong attack can find the net multiple times. Even with a deep attacking roster, Miami has multiple scoring threats beyond Messi, making this bet appealing.
Player Spotlight
Noah Allen, Inter Miami: Allen has transitioned to center back and become a key part of Miami`s improved defense. His ability to handle LAFC`s attacking players, particularly Bouanga, will be crucial in this match.
Key Match Storyline
Can Miami score an away goal? In this knockout tournament, securing an away goal in the first leg is vital. LAFC will aim to keep a clean sheet at home, but stopping Miami`s attack will be a significant challenge. An away goal for Miami could heavily favor them heading into the second leg.
Match Prediction
LAFC might face challenges due to integrating new players early in the season. Inter Miami, despite also having new players, appears to be in better form. Until proven otherwise, stopping Miami and Messi seems difficult. Inter Miami is predicted to secure a significant away victory.
Predicted Score: LAFC 0, Inter Miami 2
