Messi and Miami dominated in spells but couldn't capitalize – and then were punished by a second-half strike

In a star-studded night at BMO Stadium – where celebrities such as Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Becky G, David Beckham, and Lionel Richie filled the stands, and Lionel Messi graced the pitch – it was an unlikely hero who stole the spotlight.

Nathan Ordaz delivered the game-winner, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory for LAFC Wednesday night in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Inter Miami. However, will rightfully question whether the 21-year-old striker should have been on the pitch in the first place.

In what could be a preview of the 2025 MLS Cup final, both sides kicked off an intense and emotional battle in Los Angeles. Inter Miami controlled the first half, dominating possession with more than 58 percent, but LAFC’s disciplined defense kept the visitors from creating clear-cut chances.

When Miami did break through, former France international Hugo Lloris was up to the task, making a key save to keep the visitors at bay. It was the first time the goalkeeper faced Messi since the 2022 World Cup.

Yet, Javier Mascherano’s side will feel aggrieved by a controversial decision midway through the opening 45 minutes. Ordaz, filling in due to multiple injuries in LAFC’s attack, twice extended his elbow into Miami defender Maximiliano Falcón. Falcón also appeared to indicate that he was kicked by the young forward, yet after a VAR review, Ordaz escaped with only a yellow card.

In the second half, LAFC grew more aggressive, and Ordaz made the most of his chance at redemption. After skipping past a slow-footed Sergio Busquets, the striker unleashed a rocket from outside the box, beating Oscar Ustari low at the near post. Despite a flurry of late chances, Inter Miami couldn’t break through Lloris and a resolute LAFC backline.

For Miami, the match was déjà vu, eerily reminiscent of their first-round playoff struggles against Atlanta last season. Fortunately for Mascherano and his squad, they’ll have a shot at redemption next week when they host the second leg at Chase Stadium.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from BMO Stadium.

ImagnGoalkeeper & Defense

Oscar Ustari (5/10):

Made a crucial save on Denis Bouanga in the first half, but was caught off-guard by Ordaz's strike and could've done better on that strike. Not the only culprit for the loss, but one would wonder if Drake Callender, last year's starter who was on the bench, would've handled that better.

Gonzalo Luján (8/10):

Immense in the first half, where he won five tackles and 5-of-5 duels. Tapered off in the second half, but was still solid. He is a big reason why Miami has taken a step forward on defense this season.

Maximiliano Falcón (7/10):

Another new addition in Miami's backline who is making his presence felt. Made a huge block at goalline against a Timothy Tillman rocket, which would have doubled the aggregate advantage for the home side to 2-0. Strong overall night by the center back.

Noah Allen (6/10):

Not as strong as Lujan or Falcon, but still solid. Was involved in 10 duels, but won three. He still had two important clearances.

Jordi Alba (6/10):

Put in a shift defensively, but at the cost of his usual attacking flair. Did hit 92.5 percent of his 71 passes attempted though.

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Fafà Picault (5/10):

Picault's work rate can't be questioned, as he's all over the pitch – helping in attack and tracking back when needed. The issue is impactful plays at times and tonight was another example where he's running a lot but lacking purpose. Hopefully, it can improve as the season progresses as he is one of the few Miami players with pace.

Yannick Bright (7/10):

Was brilliant in the first half, winning duels and tackles in the center of the pitch and bailing out the defense in key moments. Ran out of steam in the second half and was replaced by Federico Redondo in the 81st minute.

Sergio Busquets (5/10):

Was tidy in passing, but that was about it. His lack of pace was exposed by an energetic LAFC in multiple counterattacks. Was partially at fault for Ordaz's goal.

Telasco Segovia (4/10):

The 22-year-old has been one of the brightest young players in MLS this season, but this wasn't his night. Struggled with Los Angeles' physicality and was among Mascherano's first set of substitutions.

AFPAttack

Lionel Messi (6/10):

Was triple-teamed at times from LAFC, which gave the superstar very little room to operate in. Can't fault him much there, especially when there was little attacking help from his team. Still, he will want his free-kick attempts back from the night. He had two direct free-kick opportunities that he usually provides a strong threat from. One was saved by Lloris and the other skied into the stands.

Luis Suárez (3/10):

Similar to the Atlanta playoff series loss, Suarez was on the pitch but that was about it. He looked slow against an athletic LAFC side and was not threatening at all, despite having two shots in the box. Inter Miami need to seriously consider adding an off-the-bench forward who can provide pace and physical prowess when needed. If not, this will be a repeat issue throughout the season.

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Robert Taylor (5/10):

Was largely invisible after an impressive showing against Philadelphia over the weekend. Mascherano might need to rely on him earlier to help in the attack.

Benjamin Cremaschi (5/10):

Injected some much-needed pace but was another player who failed to make much of an impact in his time on the pitch.

Federico Redondo (NA):

Played nine minutes with little chance to really make a difference, though he did connect on all 12 of his passes.

Manager (7/10):

If Mascherano deserves credit, it is for his continual work on making Inter Miami defensively stout. The goal from Ordaz doesn't change that, this is still a dramatically improved side in that respect. Yet, similar to his predecessor in Tata Martino, he needs to find more attacking options to rely upon when Messi is being triple-teamed. If Suarez isn't that option, he needs to find a plan C or D. Right now, Miami doesn't have that.