The Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals are set to begin, featuring an even split of teams from MLS and Liga MX. With the first leg matches starting this Tuesday, the remaining eight teams are all vying for the top club prize in North America. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, have progressed smoothly through the competition and are preparing to face LAFC, who were finalists in 2023 and have had a mixed start to the 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 ties will see MLS teams competing against Mexican clubs, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and competitive comparison between the two prominent leagues.

Similar to the previous stages, the quarterfinals will be played over two legs across two weeks. Advancement to the semifinals will be determined by the aggregate score from both matches, with extra time and penalties as tie-breakers if necessary after the second leg.

Key Quarterfinal Matchups

Here`s a look at the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals:

  • Club America vs. Cruz Azul
  • LA Galaxy vs. Tigres
  • Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas
  • LAFC vs. Inter Miami
  • Tigres vs. LA Galaxy
  • Cruz Azul vs. Club America
  • Inter Miami vs. LAFC
  • Pumas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Player Spotlight

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: Messi`s participation will depend on his fitness. However, Inter Miami`s coach`s strategy of managing Messi`s playing time suggests the club is prioritizing this competition early in the season. Despite a recent minor injury that limited his minutes in both the Champions Cup and MLS, Messi`s quick return and goal in Miami`s recent victory indicate he is likely to play a significant role. His impact for Miami has been considerable 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, placing him close to the top scorer. Beyond scoring, Messi is also known for creating opportunities for his teammates, already contributing two assists in MLS play.

Main Storyline: MLS vs. Liga MX Competition

The quarterfinals present a balanced contest between MLS and Liga MX, with each league having four representatives and guaranteeing at least one team in the semifinals due to the intra-league matches. The performance of these teams will offer further insights into the competitive balance between these neighboring leagues.

Inter Miami is a high-profile team, and their strong performance this season reflects their ambition. The Vancouver Whitecaps are also showing promise, leading the Western Conference and representing MLS`s potential in the tournament. However, the Los Angeles teams face challenges. LAFC has been inconsistent, which could be problematic against a strong Miami side, and the LA Galaxy are still seeking their first MLS win, potentially struggling against Tigres.

Ultimately, the central question remains: Can an MLS team win the trophy? Historically, Mexican teams have dominated the Champions Cup, partly due to the timing of the tournament relative to their league seasons. While the Seattle Sounders broke this trend in 2022, they remain an exception to the rule.