LAFC made the Champions Cup finals in 2020 and 2023 and beat the Columbus Crew 4–2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 last month. Denis Bouanga, the MLS Golden Boot winner in 2023 and co-runner-up with Messi and Luis Suarez last season, scored three of L.A.’s four goals against the Crew.

In contrast, though, Inter Miami seems to have left 2024 chaos behind in the rearview mirror. With head coach Javier Mascherano, they remain undefeated after nine matches, earning eight wins and a draw. They've scored 19 and conceded six. Even not fully fit, Messi has been instrumental.

Messi has been recovering from a groin injury suffered earlier this month. He's available, but it remains to be seen how much. And he's far from the only Miami player who can give the Union trouble.