The Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals are set to begin with an even split of MLS and Liga MX teams. The eight remaining teams are competing for the top club prize in North America. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, have had a strong run in the competition so far and will face LAFC, who were finalists in 2023 and have had a moderate start to their MLS season. This is the only matchup between two MLS teams. 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 neighboring leagues.
Similar to previous rounds, the quarterfinals will be played over two legs across two weeks. The team with the higher aggregate score will advance to the semifinals. If the aggregate score is tied after the second leg, extra time and penalties will be used to determine the winner.
Quarterfinals Matchups
All times U.S./Eastern
Tuesday, April 1
- Club America vs. Cruz Azul, 9:15 p.m. (FS2)
- LA Galaxy vs. Tigres, 11:15 p.m. (FS2)
Wednesday, April 2
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas, 9:30 p.m. (FS2)
- LAFC vs. Inter Miami, 11:30 p.m. (FS1)
Tuesday, April 8
- Tigres vs. LA Galaxy, 9 p.m.
- Cruz Azul vs. Club America, 11:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9
- Inter Miami vs. LAFC, 8 p.m.
- Pumas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 10:30 p.m.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: Messi`s participation will likely depend on his fitness. However, Inter Miami`s coach Javier Mascherano`s management of Messi`s playing time suggests the team is prioritizing this competition at the start of the season. Messi played significantly in the first round against Sporting Kansas City before reducing his playing time in both the CCC and MLS due to a minor injury. His return in Miami`s 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, where he scored within two minutes, indicates he is likely to play a key role.
When healthy, Messi has been highly effective for Miami this season, living up to expectations since joining in 2023. He has scored five goals in six games across all competitions this season, with three in the Champions Cup. He is just one goal behind the tournament`s top scorer, Cruz Azul`s Angel Sepulveda, and is expected to climb to the top of the scoring charts. In his typical style, Messi also contributes by setting up teammates, already having two assists in MLS play this season.
Key Storyline
MLS vs. Liga MX: The quarterfinals present a balanced matchup between MLS and Liga MX, with four teams from each league and guaranteed representation from both in the semifinals due to intra-league matches. The performance of these teams will provide further insights into the competitive balance between these neighboring leagues.
Miami is the most prominent MLS team, and their Supporters` Shield win last year and current top position in the league after six games show they are living up to the hype. The Vancouver Whitecaps have also impressed this season, leading the Western Conference and representing a strong hope for MLS. However, the Los Angeles teams face challenges. LAFC has been inconsistent and might struggle against a strong Miami team, while LA Galaxy is still seeking their first MLS win after six games and could have difficulty against Tigres.
Ultimately, the competition raises the recurring question: Can an MLS team win the trophy? Mexican teams have historically dominated the CCC, partly because it starts during mid-season for Liga MX and at the beginning of the MLS season. This timing means Mexican league players are generally fitter. The Seattle Sounders are the only MLS team to win the CCC recently, lifting the trophy in 2022, but they remain an exception to the rule.
