On their visit to Banc of California Stadium, Inter Miami couldn’t extend their ten-match unbeaten streak since Javier Mascherano took over as head coach, falling 1-0 to Los Angeles FC in the first leg of the ConCachampions quarterfinals. It was a tough blow in the most important match of the season, leaving Messi and the entire Inter Miami team in a difficult position.

No one wanted to miss Messi’s visit to Los Angeles

No one wanted to miss the chance to travel to Los Angeles to see Leo Messi in person, and the stands at Banc of California Stadium were packed with familiar faces. Among them was Lionel Scaloni, who wanted to see firsthand the physical condition of Leo Messi after he missed the most recent FIFA window with Argentina due to a muscle problem.

He wasn’t the only one. Stephen Curry, taking advantage of the Golden State Warriors' visit to Los Angeles for a game against the Lakers featuring LeBron James and Luka Doncic, was also present in the stands along with singers Lionel Richie and Becky G to see Leo Messi. However, he couldn’t do anything to prevent Inter Miami's defeat, and for the first time this season, Messi didn’t contribute with a goal or an assist.

The ghosts return to Inter Miami

The match was decided by Nathan Ordaz just minutes into the first half with a shot from outside the box. Inter Miami struggled to prevent a second goal, which would have made the second leg even more difficult. Still, despite recovering, they couldn’t overcome a solid performance by Hugo Lloris, who had very little to do and only made three saves throughout the game.

Nevertheless, the result is close, and Inter Miami will have the support of their fans to try to make a comeback. However, once again, the ghosts of an early exit from the ConcaChampions loom over Inter Miami, who will need to face Toronto at Chase Stadium with the goal of maintaining the lead in the MLS... before heading into the second leg against LAFC.