Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Suffer First Defeat of the Season Against LAFC in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami experienced their first loss of the season on Wednesday as Los Angeles FC clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the quarter-final first-leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The thrilling encounter, played at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, saw Miami struggling to break down a resilient LAFC side that showed tremendous energy and discipline throughout the match.

This setback is a significant blow to Inter Miami, who had maintained an unbeaten streak of nine games across all competitions since the start of the season. Despite their impressive run, Messi and his teammates found themselves outmatched by a determined LAFC side that took full advantage of their home ground.

Nathan Ordaz Stuns Inter Miami with Decisive Goal

The decisive moment of the match came in the 57th minute when Nathan Ordaz, a 21-year-old homegrown striker from Los Angeles, scored the game’s only goal. The El Salvador international showcased his skill and composure as he spun away from the experienced Sergio Busquets before unleashing a low, powerful shot that beat Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

A deep strike from Nathan Ordaz gives @LAFC the lead in @TheChampions! pic.twitter.com/qmnfYSNUkR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 3, 2025

Ordaz’s goal was the culmination of a relentless second-half performance by LAFC. After a cagey first half where neither side could establish dominance, LAFC turned up the intensity and constantly pressured the Miami defense.

LAFC’s Dominance After Halftime

Ryan Hollingshead came close to opening the scoring for LAFC in the 54th minute but blasted his shot wide of the goal after an impressive overlap into the penalty area. Despite the miss, LAFC’s determination never wavered.

Only minutes later, Ordaz’s clinical finish finally broke the deadlock, giving LAFC a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Florida next Wednesday.

The raucous home crowd of 22,207 fans at BMO Stadium, which included notable figures such as NBA superstar Stephen Curry, Inter Miami team owner David Beckham, and Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni, added to the electric atmosphere of the match.

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Lionel Messi’s Struggles and Miami’s Frustration

Lionel Messi, making his first start since returning from a two-week injury layoff, found it difficult to make a significant impact on the game. Despite being the focal point of Miami’s attack, the Argentine legend was unable to assert his usual dominance against a well-organized LAFC defense.

Messi’s struggles were indicative of a broader problem for Inter Miami, who failed to create clear-cut chances throughout the game. One of their few opportunities came when Maxi Falcon headed towards the bottom corner, only to see his effort comfortably saved by LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The frustration mounted for Miami as Sergio Busquets, another high-profile signing for the club, received a yellow card for a rash challenge on Cengiz Under. This moment symbolized Miami’s desperation to regain control of the match, but LAFC continued to maintain their defensive composure.

Missed Opportunities and Desperate Measures

Despite being down by a goal, Inter Miami pushed forward in search of an equalizer. However, LAFC’s defense, marshaled by Aaron Long, held firm. The U.S. international came close to scoring himself, heading just over from a free-kick in the 63rd minute.

Miami’s best chance to level the score came in stoppage time when Messi lined up a free-kick from a promising position. The crowd held its breath as the Argentine superstar prepared to deliver one of his trademark set-pieces. Unfortunately for Miami, Messi’s shot sailed well over the bar, a disappointing end to an underwhelming night for the visitors.

What This Defeat Means for Inter Miami

The loss to LAFC ends Inter Miami’s unbeaten run and leaves them with a mountain to climb in the second leg of the quarter-final. They will need to regroup and find a way to break down LAFC’s defense when they return to Florida next Wednesday.

This defeat also raises questions about Messi’s match fitness following his recent injury. Although he played the full match, he appeared off the pace and struggled to create meaningful opportunities for his team.

Leg One ✔️ pic.twitter.com/ZkWPz6OHSU

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 3, 2025

Additionally, Miami’s midfield trio of Messi, Busquets, and Jordi Alba failed to impose their usual dominance. The lack of cohesion in the team’s play was evident throughout the encounter.

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg

Inter Miami will now prepare to host LAFC in the second leg, knowing they must secure a win to advance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The pressure will be on Messi and his teammates to bounce back from this defeat and deliver a performance worthy of their star-studded lineup.

For LAFC, the victory offers a valuable confidence boost ahead of their trip to Florida. They will be eager to defend their narrow advantage and secure a spot in the next round of the tournament.