Messi Leads Inter Miami’s Comeback Bid Against LAFC Without Busquets

Inter Miami host LAFC on Wednesday in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first match. The task is even tougher as Lionel Messi's side will be without Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Messi scored in their recent 1-1 MLS draw against Toronto, becoming Inter Miami’s all-time leader in combined goals and assists with 44. Despite his brilliance, the team has struggled collectively and will need a much-improved performance to advance. Head coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the importance of these high-stakes matches, calling for inspiration over pressure, while also pointing out the scheduling disparity — LAFC played their league match on Saturday, while Inter Miami played Sunday.

The expected lineup for Inter Miami, according to ESPN, includes Callender; Weigandt, Avilés, Allen, Jordi Alba; Redondo, Segovia, Bright; Messi, Picault, and Suárez. The absence of Busquets may weigh heavily, but Miami hopes their home crowd at Chase Stadium will tip the balance.

LAFC, meanwhile, hold a narrow advantage and will look to strike on the counter with speedsters Denis Bouanga and Cengiz Ünder. Head coach Steve Cherundolo is expected to field a starting lineup featuring Lloris in goal; Palencia, Long, Segura, and Hollingshead in defense; Delgado, Jesús, and Tillman in midfield; and a front three of Ünder, Bouanga, and Ordaz, with Olivier Giroud available as a potential impact substitute.

For Inter Miami, the stakes couldn't be higher. A strong performance could not only salvage their Champions Cup ambitions but also reinforce their credentials as a rising power in North American football.