LAFC Clash with Messi’s Miami, Pumas Visit Vancouver

The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup resumes Wednesday with two exciting first-leg matchups in the quarterfinals. Vancouver Whitecaps host Pumas UNAM, while Los Angeles FC welcome Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in a highly anticipated showdown.

At BC Place, Vancouver will face Pumas for only the second time ever and for the first time in this tournament. The Whitecaps reached this stage after a dramatic Round of 16 tie with Monterrey, advancing on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate. Brian White, with three goals in four games, has been their standout performer.

Pumas enter their seventh quarterfinal appearance after a 3-1 aggregate win over Alajuelense, the 2024 Central American Cup champions. Guillermo Martínez (2 goals) and Pablo Monroy (2 assists) have led the charge for the Mexico City side, which is seeking a return to regional glory.

Later, LAFC face Inter Miami in a blockbuster encounter at BMO Stadium. It’s their first-ever Champions Cup meeting, with LAFC holding a 2-1 advantage in all-time matchups. Denis Bouanga was decisive in the previous round against Columbus, scoring three times to take his tournament tally to 10 goals and four assists in 12 appearances.

Inter Miami stormed through the Round of 16 with a 4-0 aggregate win over Cavalier FC. Lionel Messi has five goals and two assists in the tournament, while Luis Suárez scored in both legs. With their star power, Miami will aim to continue their march toward continental silverware.