The Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals are set to begin, featuring an even split of teams from MLS and Liga MX. The first leg matches start on Tuesday, as the remaining eight teams compete for the top club prize in North America. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, are among the MLS teams and will face LAFC, the 2023 finalists who have had a slow start in the current MLS season. This is the only all-MLS quarterfinal, while Liga MX`s Club America will play against Cruz Azul in an all-Liga MX matchup. The other quarterfinal games will pit MLS teams against Mexican teams, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and competitive comparison between these two leagues.
Like the previous stages, the quarterfinals will be played over two legs, spanning two weeks. Advancement to the semifinals will be decided by the aggregate score from both legs. If the aggregate score is tied after the second leg, extra time and potentially penalties will be used to determine the winner.
Here’s a preview of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, including how to watch the games.
How to Watch
All times U.S./Eastern
- Tuesday, April 1
- Club America vs. Cruz Azul, 9:15 p.m. (FS2)
- LA Galaxy vs. Tigres, 11:15 p.m. (FS2)
- Wednesday, April 2
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas, 9:30 p.m. (FS2)
- LAFC vs. Inter Miami, 11:30 p.m. (FS1)
- Tuesday, April 8
- Tigres vs. LA Galaxy, 9 p.m.
- Cruz Azul vs. Club America, 11:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 9
- Inter Miami vs. LAFC, 8 p.m.
- Pumas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 10:30 p.m.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
Lionel Messi`s participation will depend on his fitness. However, Inter Miami`s coach, Javier Mascherano, has suggested that the team is prioritizing this competition early in the season. Messi played significantly in the first round against Sporting Kansas City but then took a step back in both the Champions Cup and MLS due to a minor injury. His return and goal in Miami`s 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union indicate he is likely to play a key role. He scored just two minutes after coming back in that game, demonstrating his immediate impact.
When healthy, Messi has been highly effective for Miami this season, living up to expectations since joining in 2023. He has scored five goals in six games across all competitions this season, with three in the Champions Cup. He is currently just one goal behind the tournament`s top scorer, Angel Sepulveda of Cruz Azul. Messi is also known for creating opportunities for his teammates, already having two assists in MLS play this season.
Storyline to Watch
MLS vs. Liga MX
The quarterfinals present a balanced contest between MLS and Liga MX, with each league having four teams and guaranteed representation in the semifinals due to two all-league matchups. The performance of these teams will provide further insights into the competitive balance between the two leagues.
Inter Miami is the most prominent MLS team, and their Supporters` Shield win last year and current top position in the league after six games show they are performing well. The Vancouver Whitecaps are also performing strongly, leading the Western Conference and representing another strong MLS contender. However, the Los Angeles teams face challenges. LAFC has been inconsistent and may struggle against Miami, while the LA Galaxy are still seeking their first MLS win after six games and might find it difficult against Tigres.
This competition always raises the question: Can an MLS team win the trophy? Historically, Mexican teams have dominated the Champions Cup, partly because it occurs during mid-season for Liga MX and at the beginning of the MLS season, giving Mexican teams a fitness advantage. The Seattle Sounders in 2022 are the only MLS team to have won the title recently, highlighting that MLS victory is still an exception.
