The Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals are set to deliver thrilling matches as teams from MLS and Liga MX compete for the prestigious North American club title. The quarterfinal stage begins Tuesday with the first leg matches, featuring eight teams all vying for a spot in the semifinals.
Among the highly anticipated matchups, Lionel Messi`s Inter Miami will face off against LAFC, the previous year`s finalists, in an all-MLS clash. Meanwhile, Liga MX giants Club America will battle Cruz Azul in a domestic league showdown. The remaining quarterfinal games will pit MLS teams against Mexican counterparts, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and competitive balance between these two prominent leagues.
Similar to the previous rounds, the quarterfinals will be played over two legs, spanning two weeks. Advancement to the semifinals will be determined by the aggregate score across both legs. If needed, extra time and penalty kicks will decide the winner after the second leg.
Quarterfinals Schedule and Broadcast Information
All times U.S./Eastern
First Leg Matches
- 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)
Second Leg Matches
- 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.
Key Player to Watch
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: Lionel Messi`s participation will depend on his fitness level. However, Inter Miami`s coach, Javier Mascherano, seems to be prioritizing this competition, suggesting Messi will play a significant role. Despite a recent minor injury, Messi`s quick return and goal in Miami`s victory against Philadelphia Union indicate he is ready to make a substantial impact. This season, Messi has lived up to expectations, scoring five goals in six games across all competitions, with three of those in the Champions Cup. He is close to becoming the tournament`s top scorer and is also known for assisting his teammates, having already provided two assists in MLS play.
Intriguing Storyline
MLS vs. Liga MX Competition: The quarterfinals present a balanced contest between MLS and Liga MX, with each league having four representatives and guaranteed semifinal presence due to internal matchups. The performance of these teams will offer further insights into the competitive landscape between the two leagues.
Inter Miami, boosted by Messi, are a major draw, but Vancouver Whitecaps have also shown strong form this season, leading the Western Conference. In contrast, LAFC has been inconsistent, and LA Galaxy are still seeking their first MLS win, potentially facing challenges against their Mexican opponents. Ultimately, the competition raises the perennial question: Can an MLS team win the trophy? Historically, Mexican teams have dominated the Champions Cup, partly due to their season timing. Seattle Sounders` 2022 victory remains an exception to this trend.
