LAFC 1, Inter Miami 0: Messi shut out as Ordaz escapes red, scores winner | OneFootball

Before the beginning of Leg 1 of LAFC's Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against Inter Miami on Wednesday night, Nathan Ordaz would've been considered relatively unlikely to become the hero of the occasion.

By the time the 21-year-old's moment arrived, Inter Miami players and fans were wondering how he was even allowed to be on the field.

Ordaz fired a wonderful, dipping finish from 25 yards out that beat Oscar Ustari to his near left post in the 57th minute to give LAFC a 1-0 win over Lionel Messi's Herons on Wednesday night.

The result means LAFC can win the total-goals series with a win next Wednesday in Leg 2 at Miami, a draw, or a one-goal defeat in which both teams score. A 1-0 Miami win would send the game to extra time and penalties, and Miami would advance with a multiple-goal victory.

It's a narrow but real advantage, and one the Black-and-Gold may feel fortunate to have after referee Oshane Nation reviewed a first-half incident involving Ordaz for potential violent conduct.

Ordaz appeared to attempt to strike the head and neck area of defender Maxi Falcon. But Nation produced only a yellow card in the 27th minute.

Ordaz becoming more of an option?

The goal was Ordaz's third in all competitions and the second in Concacaf play in his fifth start of 2025. He was playing on the right flank with Cengiz Under at center forward and Denis Bouanga on the left, while French star Olivier Giroud remained planted to the bench amid an extended slump.

Striker Jeremy Ebobisse did not dress after missing action over the weekend as well with a leg injury.

Messi kept quiet (for once)

Messi made his fifth start in all competitions and seventh appearance for Miami, and for the first time in 2025 he failed to score or contribute an assist while on the field.