In addition to putting Miami at a disadvantage for the two-leg match, Inter Miami’s 0-1 loss to LAFC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals also represents a concerning turning point for Lionel Messi.
It was Messi’s first game without a goal or an assist this season, and Miami failed to score in a game he played in for the first time in 530 days.
An Uncontributed Evening: A Serious Setback for Inter Miami
Messi had been playing brilliantly this season before this game. He had recovered well, scoring in five straight games, although struggling with injury issues.
Messi, though, struggled to find his scoring touch against LAFC. Throughout the game, he produced a number of risky possibilities, but none of them were able to end the impasse.
Messi’s Lost Opportunities
Messi stepped up to accept a free kick from the penalty area’s arc in the sixteenth minute.
With a strong left-footed effort headed toward the top corner, the shot barely missed the bar after striking the net, giving the LAFC goalie a chill.
Then Messi was awarded another free-kick in the 36th minute. He took a more direct approach this time, unleashing another strong shot that LAFC goalkeeper Lloris easily saved.
At the 45th minute of the first half, Segovia made a superb chipped ball. In an attempt to set up Suárez, Messi got up to meet the ball and tried a header, but the final shot missed the mark.
As the game continued on, Messi had more opportunities late in the game.
In the 85th minute, the keeper parried his signature cut-in and low left-footed drive, and in the last minute of stoppage time, Messi missed another free kick.
Messi had two free-kick attempts, four direct shots, and one crucial headed pass overall, but he was unable to change the result.
He recorded his first “0 involvement” (no goal or assist) in a game this season as the contest came to a close.
Several Records Are Broken
Several noteworthy records pertaining to Messi were broken at the final whistle:
- This season’s first game without a goal contribution. In the past, Messi recorded at least one goal or assist in every game he participated in.
- His scoring run of four straight games was ended. This drought is a clear letdown after scoring against teams like the Philadelphia Union and New York City.
- Messi played in Inter Miami’s first game without a goal since October 21, 2023.
- Miami has now failed to score in a game with Messi on the field four times in club history; the other three times were earlier in 2023.
- Messi has yet to score in his career meetings with LAFC. He also failed to score the last time he played LAFC.
When LAFC becomes a coma, Miami has to react in the second leg
Unquestionably, one of the best teams in the CONCACAF area is LAFC. They won because to their well-planned defensive strategy and close marking that was intended to counteract Messi’s impact.
LAFC maintained a tight defensive shape throughout the game, frequently blocking Messi’s teammates’ passing paths and employing aggression to throw off his rhythm.
With just three shots on goal during the match, Miami’s attacking effectiveness was noticeably reduced, indicating that the team lacked the momentum that comes with Messi’s typical spark.
Inter Miami needs to win the home leg at the very least to make a comeback and advance, since they are currently behind 0-1 overall.
To turn the match around, head coach Mascherano will need to maximize the offensive potential of Messi and Suárez while increasing the midfield supply.
Perhaps the calm before the storm is a quiet night
Messi’s whole performance shouldn’t be completely disregarded, even though the evening was empty.
He continued to contribute aggressively to the build-up, produced many threats, and maintained a remarkable passing accuracy.
Messi, who is very close to turning 37, has shown time and time again that he is still capable of being the key player in intense games.
