Los Angeles FC (LAFC) delivered a shocking blow to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. The defeat marked Miami’s first loss of the season, ending their nine-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Nathan Ordaz, a 21-year-old Los Angeles native and El Salvador international, emerged as the hero for LAFC, netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute. Spinning past former Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, Ordaz fired a low shot past Miami’s goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, sending the raucous crowd at BMO Stadium into a frenzy.
Despite arriving in Los Angeles as the top team in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi and Miami struggled to impose themselves. The first half saw both teams locked in a tense battle, but LAFC ramped up the intensity after the break. Miami’s defense was tested repeatedly, with Ryan Hollingshead missing a golden opportunity in the 54th minute before Ordaz finally broke the deadlock.
Messi, making his first start since returning from a two-week injury layoff, found himself neutralized by LAFC’s relentless defense. The Argentine icon had a rare off night, unable to create his usual magic. His frustration was evident when he squandered a free kick deep into stoppage time, blasting his shot well over the bar.
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LAFC came close to doubling their lead multiple times. US international Aaron Long’s header narrowly missed the target, and a desperate goal-line clearance by Miami defender Maxi Falcon denied Timothy Tillman. Falcon also had one of Miami’s few chances, but his header was comfortably gathered by LAFC’s former French international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Adding to Miami’s woes, Busquets picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Cengiz Ünder. Meanwhile, the star-studded crowd of 22,207, including NBA superstar Stephen Curry, Miami team owner David Beckham, and Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni, witnessed a night where LAFC dominated the narrative.
With the return leg set for next week in Florida, Inter Miami faces an uphill battle. Can Messi and his squad turn the tide, or will LAFC complete the upset and knock them out of the competition? All eyes will be on the next clash as the drama unfolds.
