Lionel Messi goes all out: Projected lineup for Inter Miami vs. LAFC in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami is playing a large part of its season in a key duel for the quarterfinals of the 2025 Champions Cup. After drawing 1-1 against Toronto FC in MLS with a goal from Lionel Messi, the Florida team now puts all its energy into the continental tournament, where it will seek to reverse the series against Los Angeles FC.

In the first leg, played in California, the Los Angeles team won 1-0 and now those led by Mascherano are forced to win if they want to continue with the dream of conquering the first international title in their history.

With internationally renowned figures such as Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami wants to assert its home advantage and the firepower it has in attack. The team has shown character in decisive matches and today will be no exception. The presence of the Argentine star from the start is a key emotional boost for a squad that dreams of writing a historic page. In front they will have a tough rival, well worked by Steve Cherundolo and with experienced names such as Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud and Denis Bouanga.

For the visit it will be essential to maintain concentration during the 90 minutes, especially taking into account the pressure of the full stadium and the need for Inter Miami to score. The strategy could be to give up the ball, close well behind and bet on the counterattack with fast and precise players.

Everything is ready for a true great game on American soil. The match will be played at 8 AM and will define which of the two teams will get among the best four of the Concachampions. The illusion is intact for both, but only one will be able to move forward and dream of lifting the trophy.

Predicted Lineups

• Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari; Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Fafa Picault. Coach: Javier Mascherano
• Los Angeles FC: Hugo Lloris; Ryan Hollingshead, Eddie Segura, Aaron Long, Sergi Palencia; Timothy Tillman, Igor Jesús, Mark Delgado; Cengriz Ünder, Olivier Giroud, Denis Bouanga. Coach: Steve Cherundolo