In a thrilling quarter-final clash, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered their first defeat of the season as Los Angeles FC pulled off a 1-0 upset in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday.
The match, held at LAFC’s BMO Stadium, was decided by a clinical 57th-minute strike from El Salvador’s Nathan Ordaz, who blasted a low shot into the corner past Miami keeper Oscar Ustari. The goal gave LAFC a crucial advantage heading into next week’s return leg in Florida.
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but felt they should have won by a larger margin. “We need to be sharper in front of goal,” Cherundolo said. “If we create the same chances next week in Miami, we must be more ruthless.”
Despite the loss, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano remained optimistic. “It wasn’t our best night, but it’s only the first leg,” he said. “We have another chance next week to make it to the semi-finals.”
Miami arrived in Los Angeles as the form team of Major League Soccer, having gone unbeaten in nine games across all competitions. However, the match proved to be a tough one for Messi, who struggled to make an impact after returning from a two-week injury layoff.
While Messi fought for control, LAFC created more opportunities, with Ryan Hollingshead missing a golden chance in the 54th minute. However, Ordaz made no mistake just three minutes later, expertly finishing a move that left Miami’s defense in the dust.
Miami’s best chances came through defender Maxi Falcon, who had a header cleared off the line and a later attempt stopped by LAFC’s Hugo Lloris. Messi, who had a rare free-kick opportunity deep into stoppage time, sent the ball sailing over the bar, summing up a frustrating night for the Argentine superstar.
With a raucous crowd—including NBA star Stephen Curry and Miami owner David Beckham—on hand, LAFC held firm to secure a well-earned victory, leaving Messi and Miami with everything to do in the second leg.
