FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play in one of their biggest games of the season tonight against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup tournament.
Inter Miami trails LAFC 1-0 in aggregate score on their quarterfinal series, hoping to advance to the semifinals of the North American soccer tournament played during the Major League Soccer season.
Messi has scored two goals in his last three games, but did not score in last week’s first leg in Los Angeles. Instead, it was 21-year-old Nathan Ordaz, who scored a goal in the 57th minute for LAFC last week.
Could a vintage performance from the World Cup champion be in store on Wednesday night?
“Obviously, for great players like him, these kinds of matches are an extra motivation,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi, his former teammate, on Tuesday.
Here’s everything you need to know, and return here for USA TODAY Sports’ live updates from tonight’s match:
How to watch Inter Miami vs. LAFC Champions Cup on TV, live stream?
The match will be available in English on FS1, and in Spanish via TUDN and ViX.
What time is Inter Miami vs. LAFC Champions Cup match?
The match begins at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT, 9 p.m. in Argentina).
Is Lionel Messi playing tonight?
Yes, Messi is expected to play for Inter Miami in the match. His status will be confirmed when the club announces its starting lineup about an hour before the match.
Inter Miami vs. LAFC betting odds
Inter Miami has -135 odds to win at home, while a draw is +290 and a LAFC win on the road is +310. Messi is -110 odds to be an anytime goal scorer, according to BETMGM.
Inter Miami vs. LAFC prediction
Inter Miami 3, LAFC 1: Lionel Messi works his magic to score two goals and assist Luis Suarez for another to lead Inter Miami, while Denis Bouanga makes things interesting with a goal for LAFC. Inter Miami advances 3-2 on aggregate score in a thriller. — Safid Deen, USA TODAY Sports’ Lionel Messi reporter.
Inter Miami to play without Sergio Busquets
One of Inter Miami’s core of former Barcelona stars will not play tonight vs. LAFC: Legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets is serving a tournament suspension after picking up his second yellow card in the first leg in Los Angeles last Wednesday. Inter Miami will rely on second-year midfielders Yannick Bright and Federico Redondo to replace their most reliable veteran.
Inter Miami/LAFC winner could face MLS team in Champions Cup semifinal
After the Inter Miami-LAFC match, the Vancouver Whitecaps will visit Pumas in Mexico City (10:30 p.m. ET on FS1). That series is tied, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week in Canada.
One semifinal is already set between two LIGA MX clubs: Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL advanced after winning their quarterfinals on Tuesday night. Cruz Azul beat Club America, 2-1, while Tigres ousted the reigning MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy, 3-2.