Messi powerless as LAFC dominates Inter Miami in playoff opener | OneFootball

LAFC stepped onto the field with a clear idea of what to do. With a solidly designed plan and a stunning combined effort from beginning to end, they defeated Inter Miami 1-0 in the first quarterfinal match of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Even the arrival of Lionel Messi could not pierce the Californian side's defense, which held firm against pressure and made a huge step towards the semifinals.

A low total, but one that matters. In front of their home crowd, with the support of their supporters, the side reaffirmed its dominance at the BMO Stadium, where they've been practically unbeatable in 2025.

Nathan Ordaz makes it safe with clinical finishing

It was young Nathan Ordaz who bailed them out in the 57th minute, when the match was still deadlocked. A product of the club's own academy, homegrown talent, who timed his arrival to perfection. Chosen out by a pass from Mark Delgado, he skipped past the defender and placed it in the corner, leaving Oscar Ustari with no opportunity.

That one aim was sufficient for LAFC to control the tie. Against a team with an abundance of stars, it was Ordaz who took center stage, without requisite hype for being larger than life or Hollywood-famous.

Tough defense as Lloris prolongs home shutout string

Inter Miami tried their luck. They tried to find Messi, made long-range shots, and pushed hard in the final minutes. But they came up against a well-organized defense and systematic method that ticked like clockwork. LAFC limited the visiting team to 10 attempts and obtained another clean sheet, once more. It was their third straight home shutout in the Champions Cup.

Hugo Lloris, the veteran goalkeeper for the team, did precisely what's demanded of him: come through when called upon and ensure the backline remains assured. He wasn't kept busy throughout the match, but appeared when necessary. This run of clean sheets speaks volumes about how LAFC's defensive organization has developed, particularly at home, where they've gained such consistency that it's difficult to surpass.

Inter Miami suffers its first loss of the year

Previously invincible in 2025, Inter Miami tasted defeat in their first game of the season. It was a letdown which revealed some weaknesses. Despite having Messi on board, and Busquets trying to control the middle of the field, the Florida team was not able to break through the defense and into goal-scoring opportunities.

Failing to score an away goal makes the second leg more complicated. If LAFC scores in Miami, Messi’s team will need to win by two goals. It’s a doable scenario, sure, but one they haven’t had to deal with yet in 2025.

LAFC extends its home dominance at BMO Stadium

LAFC’s performance at home remains one of the team’s biggest weapons in this year’s Champions Cup. With the win over Inter Miami, the team has six victories and two draws in eight home matches in the tournament, with 15 goals scored and three conceded. In six of them, they've recorded a clean sheet. These are decent statistics that show a competitive pattern that's greater than home-field advantage. This is a team that very well knows how to play when defending their home turf. They've already counted five home victories and just one home defeat in all competitions in 2025 alone. And each and every one of those victories had qualification as a reward. The team has crafted an authentic identity at BMO Stadium, and the stadium itself is now a true force.