Inter Miami's Streak Broken by LAFC's Rising Star Nathan Ordaz

Lionel Messi made his return to the field with Inter Miami on Wednesday night, facing off against Los Angeles FC in an exhilarating Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal match. Despite Messi being the spotlight in LA, it was LAFC’s Nathan Ordaz, a promising 21-year-old forward, who captured everyone’s attention by leading his team to victory, handing Inter Miami their first loss of the 2025 season.

Ordaz broke the deadlock by scoring just after the hour mark, securing LAFC’s win over Messi’s Inter Miami at BMO Stadium. This match snapped Miami’s impressive run of seven consecutive wins and a nine-game unbeaten start to their season. Messi, unable to conjure his usual magic, had several chances but missed three free kicks, including two in the first half and one at the close of the match. It was evident that he was still shaking off the effects of his recent injury when he failed to convert opportunities in the 79th and 86th minutes. However, Messi played the entire match for the first time since injuring his left adductor against Atlanta United on March 16.

While Messi commanded the crowd’s attention, it was Ordaz who emerged as the game-changer with his decisive goal. He maintained his presence on the pitch even after a controversial moment early in the match. Ordaz managed to stay in the game despite narrowly avoiding a red card after a heated exchange with Inter Miami’s Maxi Falcón in the 27th minute.