(Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against Inter Miami in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, leaving Lionel Messi and his team with a tough challenge ahead.
Ordaz’s Decisive Goal
The game, played at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on April 2, 2025, saw 21-year-old Nathan Ordaz net the only goal of the match in the 57th minute. Ordaz received a well-placed pass from Mark Delgado, skillfully turned past veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, and slotted a precise shot into the bottom corner beyond Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari.
Miami’s Struggles and LAFC’s Defensive Masterclass
Despite several attempts from Messi and his teammates, LAFC’s defense held firm. Former Tottenham and France national team goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made crucial saves, denying Messi on two occasions. Miami’s best chance to equalize came when Maximiliano Falcón cleared a goal-bound effort from Timothy Tillman off the line, keeping the score in LAFC’s favor.
Star-Studded Attendance
The high-stakes match drew attention from several big names, including NBA superstar Stephen Curry, Miami co-owner David Beckham, and Argentina’s national team coach, Lionel Scaloni.
Second Leg: Miami Faces a Must-Win Game
With the second leg set for April 9, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inter Miami must secure a victory by at least two goals to advance to the semifinals. LAFC, on the other hand, will progress with either a draw or a one-goal loss, provided they manage to score an away goal.
Elsewhere in the competition, Pumas UNAM and Vancouver Whitecaps played to a 1-1 draw, with the return leg scheduled for April 9 in Mexico City.
Stay tuned to TheWatch.NG for more updates on the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
