LAFC Shuts Out Messi, Beats Inter Miami 1-0/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nathan Ordaz scored the lone goal as LAFC defeated Inter Miami 1-0 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal. Lionel Messi was held scoreless for the first time in the tournament, with LAFC’s defense neutralizing his impact. The two teams meet again April 9 in Florida.
LAFC Defeats Inter Miami – Quick Looks
- Nathan Ordaz scores in 57th minute to lift LAFC
- Lionel Messi held without a goal or assist
- LAFC ends five-match winless skid across competitions
- Miami suffers first loss of the 2025 season
- LAFC’s defense stifles Messi, Suarez, and Busquets
- Hugo Lloris makes key saves, including two on Messi
- Messi fires five shots, including late free kicks
- Miami controlled much of the game but lacked final touch
- Second leg set for April 9 in Fort Lauderdale
- Winner advances to face Vancouver or Pumas in semifinals
LAFC Shuts Out Messi, Beats Inter Miami 1-0
Deep Look
LAFC Holds Off Messi-Led Inter Miami in 1-0 Victory to Take First-Leg Advantage
LOS ANGELES — A disciplined defensive effort and a spectacular goal from 21-year-old Nathan Ordaz propelled LAFC to a 1-0 win over Inter Miami on Wednesday night in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal at BMO Stadium.
With global icon Lionel Messi in the starting lineup for the full 90 minutes, LAFC managed to contain the Argentine superstar and break Miami’s undefeated run in 2025, handing new manager Javier Mascherano his first loss of the season.
Ordaz Seals It with a Screamer
The match’s only goal came in the 57th minute, when Ordaz slipped past veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets and unleashed a low, powerful strike from outside the box that beat Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender and nestled into the far corner.
The Los Angeles native, who also scored against Columbus earlier in the tournament, nearly saw his night end early. In the first half, he was issued a yellow card after a VAR review for an incident with Miami defender Maxi Falcón, who fell clutching his face in what was ruled a non-violent confrontation.
Despite the controversy, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo praised the decision to keep Ordaz on the field.
“There’s contact both ways,” he said. “I applaud the officials for letting the game be decided on the pitch.”
Messi Shut Down as LAFC Holds the Line
Messi, who had contributed in all six previous Champions Cup matches with five goals and two assists, was rendered ineffective by a compact and high-energy LAFC defense. He took five shots, but only two were on target, both stopped by French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Messi’s best chance came in the 86th minute when he fired a low strike that Lloris bobbled before collecting. He also took several free kicks in dangerous positions but couldn’t convert, sending most efforts over the bar.
“(Messi) always had a black jersey in front of him, and that’s the point,” said Cherundolo. “The only way to stop players like Messi, Busquets, Alba, Suárez is with a collective effort.”
Miami’s First Setback Under Mascherano
Inter Miami entered the match undefeated, with a seven-game winning streak under former Argentine international Javier Mascherano. But despite controlling possession and looking organized in midfield, they struggled to break down LAFC’s disciplined shape in the final third.
“It was the kind of game we expected,” Mascherano said. “We knew they would be strong at home. We controlled much of it, but we weren’t clinical in front of goal. That’s the difference at this level.”
Mascherano remained confident heading into the second leg at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on April 9. “It’s still open. We believe we can turn it around.”
Cherundolo: A Complete Team Performance
The victory was a relief for LAFC, which had not won in five matches prior to Wednesday and faced mounting pressure after a sluggish start to the MLS season.
“I think we saw a complete performance tonight,” said Cherundolo. “We were solid in both halves of the field. We need to sharpen up in the final third, but this was a good step forward against a very strong Miami team.”
Next Up: A Trip to Florida and a Semifinal Spot on the Line
LAFC takes a slim one-goal advantage into next week’s second leg, where the aggregate winner will face either MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps or Liga MX’s Pumas in the semifinals. That series remains level at 1-1 after their opening leg.
With Messi likely to be even sharper after another week removed from his recent adductor injury, the return leg in Florida promises to be a high-stakes clash between two of MLS’s most talented rosters.
Star-Studded Atmosphere in LA
The sold-out crowd at BMO Stadium included NBA stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, who were in town ahead of the Warriors-Lakers matchup on Thursday. Their presence added to the electric energy that has followed Messi around the league since his arrival in Miami two seasons ago.
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