When visiting Inter Miami plays Los Angeles FC on Sunday night, Lionel Messi will bring his must-see performance to the West Coast.
The contest pits the two most recent winners of MLS-affiliated trophies, with Inter Miami taking home the first Leagues Cup last month following Messi’s exciting debut for his new team.
The second-place squad in the Western Conference, LAFC (11-7-7, 40 points), comes into this match off a 2-1 loss against Charlotte FC on Saturday. Mario Gonzalez’s goal for LAFC tied the score midway through the second half, but the defense gave up the winning goal in the 75th minute.
LAFC coaches and players are determined to put the match and not a specific opponent in the forefront despite Messi’s impending visit. The fact that Messi will be facing off against LAFC on Sunday does not inspire the team’s star forward Carlos Vela anymore.