In a thrilling encounter on April 2, 2025, Los Angeles FC pulled off an impressive 1-0 victory over Inter Miami CF, handing the legendary Lionel Messi a rare blank on the scoreboard in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup.

The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when 21-year-old Nathan Ordaz, displaying remarkable skill, danced past renowned midfielder Sergio Busquets before unleashing a stunning shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner of the net. This marked Ordaz's second goal of the tournament, as he had already netted against Columbus in an earlier round.

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, returned to the pitch only recently after recovering from an adductor injury that had sidelined him for crucial matches, including some national team duties. Despite being back in action, he struggled to find the back of the net, registering five attempts but only managing to get two on target, both of which were expertly denied by LAFC's goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris.

Messi's previous performances in the Champions Cup had seen him contribute either a goal or an assist in each of his first six appearances since joining Miami, and he had netted three times in the preliminary rounds this year. However, the LAFC defense, bolstered by a well-organized strategy, effectively neutralized his impact throughout the match.

The encounter wasn’t without drama. Ordaz narrowly avoided a red card in the first half after a controversial challenge on Maxi Falcón, which left Miami supporters incensed. Despite the heated moments, the match remained intense yet controlled, showcasing the high stakes of knockout football at this level.

After an impressive performance, LAFC snapped a rough patch of form, having gone winless in their previous five outings, and now look to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare for the return leg in Fort Lauderdale on April 9. The aggregate winner will advance to face either the Vancouver Whitecaps or Liga MX's Pumas in the semifinals, who played to a 1-1 draw in their own quarterfinal clash.

As the fans filled the stadium, including a notable appearance from NBA superstar Stephen Curry, anticipation built for the second leg, where Messi will undoubtedly be looking to get back on the scoresheet and lead his team to victory. Will he rise to the occasion, or will LAFC continue their upset run? Only time will tell, but this clash is shaping up to be one for the ages!