The Concacaf Champions Cup is heating up as it reaches the quarterfinals, and Los Angeles FC is set to host Inter Miami on Wednesday night. Both teams are serious contenders for the title, and with only eight teams remaining, the path to the championship is getting clearer. Inter Miami comes into this match with confidence, having remained undefeated under their new coach Javier Mascherano across all competitions. However, LAFC has been navigating some challenges after significant changes to their team roster in the offseason.
After a recent loss to San Diego FC, LAFC is under pressure to perform well at home in this first leg, especially since away goals are a crucial tiebreaker in this tournament. Lionel Messi has been a consistent threat for Miami, scoring or assisting in every game he has played this season. Even in his last appearance against the Philadelphia Union, he came off the bench and immediately scored. This makes it very likely that Miami will find the net in Los Angeles, adding pressure on LAFC`s coach Steve Cherundolo and his tactics.
This game will also mark the first time Messi faces LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris since the dramatic 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout. In that memorable match, Messi scored twice during the game and also converted his penalty.
Key Match Details
- Match: LAFC vs. Inter Miami
- Competition: Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals
- Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Messi Expected to Start
Lionel Messi is expected to be in the starting lineup for this game, after starting on the bench against Philadelphia Union. Despite scoring as a substitute in that match, his presence from the beginning will be a major boost for Miami as they seek a positive result in the first leg in Los Angeles.
Expected 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
This will be the first meeting between LAFC and Inter Miami in over two years, with their last match being an MLS game in March 2023. Only a few players from the starting lineups of that game are still with their respective teams. In that previous match, Messi provided an assist. While even fewer of those players are expected to start this upcoming game, key players like Denis Bouanga for LAFC and Messi for Miami will be crucial in deciding the outcome. Inter Miami might have a slight advantage as they rested some players in their recent game against Philadelphia Union, potentially keeping them fresher for this important clash.
Betting Prediction
Prediction: Inter Miami to score 2 or more goals (+150): LAFC`s defense has shown inconsistency this season, and after conceding three goals to San Diego FC, betting on Miami to score at least twice seems reasonable. Even if Messi doesn`t start, Miami`s attack is potent with players like Tadeo Allende who has been in good scoring form, and Luis Suarez, a former MLS Golden Boot contender. Miami’s attacking depth makes them a good bet to score two or more goals when the odds are favorable.
Player Spotlight
Noah Allen, Inter Miami: Allen, who has transitioned from left back to center back, has been a key factor in Miami`s improved defense. He will face a significant challenge against Bouanga, but his strong positional play could be vital for Miami`s chances of getting a good result in the first leg.
Key Storyline
Can Miami secure an away goal? In a knockout competition, getting an away goal is often as important as winning the first leg. For LAFC, keeping a clean sheet at home is crucial. However, given their defensive performances and Miami`s attacking prowess, this will be a difficult task. If Miami manages to score and take an away goal advantage back to Fort Lauderdale for the second leg, it could significantly tilt the tie in their favor.
Match Prediction
Playing these important matches early in the season can be challenging for teams like LAFC who are still integrating many new players. While Miami also has new faces, they appear to have found their rhythm quicker and look closer to mid-season form. Until a team finds a way to effectively stop Miami`s attacking force and Messi`s influence, they will be a formidable opponent. Expect Miami to secure a valuable away victory in this match. Predicted score: LAFC 0, Inter Miami 2
