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As Concacaf Champions Cup advances to the quarterfinals, things are getting real as Los Angeles FC will host Inter Miami on Wednesday night. Both teams will have ambitions of winning this competition, and with only eight teams left in the competition, they are getting closer to the title match. Miami will feel better about their chances still being unbeaten in all competitions under new head coach Javier Mascherano, while LAFC have experienced growing pains after a major roster overhaul during the offseason.
Coming off a defeat to San Diego FC, LAFC will need to bounce back at home in this first elg, especially since away goals are a tiebreaker in this competition. With Lionel Messi scoring or assisting in every match that he has featured in this season, including coming off the bench to face the Philadelphia Union and immediately scoring a goal last time out, it’s highly likely that Miami will score in Los Angeles, putting additional pressure on Steve Cherundolo’s setup.
This will be Messi’s first meeting with LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris since the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina beat France in penalty kicks. In that game, Messi scored once in regulation, one in extra time and scored in the penalty shootout.
Here are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch LAFC vs. Inter Miami, odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 2 | Time: 11:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BMO Stadium — Los Angeles, California
- TV: FS1 | Live stream: Fubo TV (Try for free)
- Odds: LAFC +115; Draw +215; Inter Miami +210
Messi returns to the XI
Messi will be in from the start after beginning the match against the Philadelphia Union on the bench. While the Argentine did score a goal then, he’ll now get to push Miami to a critical first leg result in this trip to Los Angeles.
Inter Miami starting XI: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Gonzalo Lujan, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Last meeting
This will be the first meeting between these two sides in just over two years with them last clashing in MLS play during March of 2023. Only nine players who started in that game are still with their teams, but Messi did register an assist in that match. Even fewer than those nine players will be expected to start this match but Denis Bouanga and Messi will be the people who determine how the clash goes. Miami were able to rest players while facing the Philadelphia Union which could prove to be beneficial entering this clash.
Best bet
Inter Miami to score 2+ goals (+150): LAFC’s defense has been tough to figure out this season, but after conceding three goals to San Diego FC, there’s no reason to not back the Herons to score here. Even if Messi doesn’t start the match, Tadeo Allende has been scoring at will for Miami and they have plenty of attacking players who can pop up when needed. Luis Suarez hasn’t had to be among the leaders in the attack during the season so far, despite contending for MLS Golden Boot last campaign. That’s something that shows just how deep Miami’s attack is, so anytime they’re at plus odds to score two goals, it’s a line worth taking.
Player to watch
Noah Allen, Inter Miami: Undergoing a position change to become a center back instead of a left back, Allen has been one of the driving forces behind Miami’s improved defense. Tangling with Bouanga will be quite a challenge, but it’s one where Allen’s position awareness could shine to give the Herons a chance to win in this first leg of the match.
Storyline to watch
Can Miami get an away goal? With this being a knockout competition, it’s not completely about winning in the first leg just returning home with a chance to win. Because of that, it’s critical that LAFC keep a clean sheet at home. With how their defense has performed, that will be a tall task, especially matching up with Miami’s attack, but if this goes to Fort Lauderdale with Miami having an away advantage, the tie could already be over.
Prediction
Playing these matches so early in the season is a bit of a drawback for LAFC due to needing to integrate so many new players. While there are new faces in Miami as well, they look like a team already rounding into midseason form. Until someone is able to stop the Herons from pulling out results and stop Messi from being involved in goals, this will be a tough team to beat and that’ll still be the case Wednesday as Miami picks up a massive victory away from home. Pick: LAFC 0, Inter Miami 2
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