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.

Ever since Lionel Messi touched down in Miami in 2023, he has brought along a collection of former teammates, like Barcelona legends Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. He also brought along another associate,

Soccer fans who tune into Lionel Messi may have noticed one change about the star forward. Since the start of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Messi's bodyguard has not been seen as often, roaming the touchlines and following the Argentine in case a fan tries to invade the pitch.