#concacaf_champions_cup

FC Cincinnati Falls to Tigres UANL in Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg FC Cincinnati suffered a 5-1 defeat to Tigres UANL in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 on Thursday night at Estadio Universitario. The result secured Tigres’ advancement to the next stage of the competition, as they won the two-legged series 5-4 on aggregate. The first leg had seen Tigres dominate with a 3-0 victory in Cincinnati on March 12, but the second leg at home saw them extend their lead. Tigres opened the match with a strong start, scoring the first four goals of the game. Kévin Denkey equalized for FC Cincinnati in the 65th minute, leveling the aggregate score and giving the home team a temporary advantage under the away-goals rule. However, Tigres regained control in the final moments of stoppage time, with Fernando Gorriarán scoring the decisive goal in the 90th minute plus eight seconds to eliminate FC Cincinnati from the competition. The loss marks a significant setback for FC Cincinnati, who had hoped to advance further in the tournament. The team will return to TQL Stadium this Sunday, March 22, for a special Kids Day match against CF Montréal. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and tickets are available through the club’s official website or by calling 513-977-KICK. Kévin Denkey’s performance in the match highlighted his importance to FC Cincinnati. The forward scored his sixth goal of the Concacaf Champions Cup, setting a new club record for the most goals by a single player in the competition. This achievement also moved him to fourth place in the club’s all-time scoring list with his 23rd career goal for the team. Nick Hagglund made his FC Cincinnati debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup, marking his first appearance in the competition since joining the club.#fc_cincinnati #concacaf_champions_cup #tigres_uanl #estadio_universitario #kevin_denkey

The Seattle Sounders’ “Road Show” continues with a trip to Minnesota United, marking their sixth consecutive away game in a seven-game stretch without playing at Lumen Field. The Sounders enter the matchup on a winning streak, having recently eliminated the Vancouver Whitecaps from Concacaf Champions Cup play. This follows a surprising 6-0 victory by the Whitecaps over Minnesota United earlier this season. The Sounders’ roster faces several absences, with key players like Pedro de la Vega (knee), Yeimar Gomez Andrade (hamstring), Stuart Hawkins (quad), Kim Kee-hee (calf), Danny Musovski (international duty), and Ryan Sailor (knee) ruled out. Hassani Dotson is listed as questionable due to a head injury. On the other side, Michael Boxall and Peter Stroud are also out with lower-body injuries. Minnesota United’s squad will be without several players, including their injured defenders. The team’s midfield will likely rely on Neco Triantis, a standout since joining from Sunderland. Deployed as an 8 in a 3-4-3 system, Triantis has shown flashes of brilliance and is expected to play a pivotal role. James Rodriguez, the Colombian forward, is set to make his home debut after limited minutes since joining the club. Possession statistics highlight the teams’ contrasting styles. The Sounders have struggled to secure more than 40% of possession in their past four matches, all of which ended in victories. Minnesota, meanwhile, averages 45% possession this season, a significant increase from last year’s MLS record of under 40%. The team has climbed to 20th in the league in this regard, reflecting a shift in their approach. The matchup carries added significance as Lumen Field will host the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, adding pressure for both teams.#concacaf_champions_cup #minnesota_united #lumen_field #seattle_sounders #pedro_de_la_vega

Messi, Inter Miami shift focus to NYCFC after bitter tournament exit Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are turning their attention back to Major League Soccer following a disappointing exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup. The club was eliminated in the Round of 16 after a 1-1 draw against a rival team, with the away goals rule sealing their fate. Messi, who scored his 900th career goal in the second leg of the tournament, is now set to return to MLS action with a crucial matchup against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, March 22. The Argentine superstar is expected to play in the match, having recovered from a minor injury, before joining the national team for two friendlies in Argentina later this month. Despite his recent goal against Nashville, Inter Miami’s offense has struggled this season, with Messi contributing four of the club’s seven goals across all competitions. The team’s reliance on his scoring has left other players, including striker German Berterame, Tadeo Allende, and Luis Suarez, without a goal in their respective appearances. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the team’s scoring woes, emphasizing the need for collective improvement. “Beyond having Leo — who always delivers an incredible number of goals, whether by scoring them himself or providing assists — we need the rest of the team to start scoring and contributing to those numbers as well,” Mascherano said. He added that the team is working hard to address this issue, calling the recent tournament exit a setback that must be overcome through focus on the league. The club’s struggles are compounded by key injuries, with players like De Paul, Maxi Falcon, and Sergio Reguilón sidelined for the upcoming match against NYCFC.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #new_york_city_fc #yankee_stadium

Nashville SC Aims to Extend Unbeaten Start Against Orlando City SC Nashville SC returns to MLS action Saturday after a midweek Concacaf Champions Cup clash, seeking to remain undefeated in 2026 against Orlando City SC. The team sits joint-top of the Eastern Conference after four matchdays, having scored the second-most goals in the conference and conceded the fewest. The match, set for GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, will take place at 5 p.m. CT on March 21. The Boys in Gold have made headlines this season with a record-breaking start, posting five wins and three draws in eight games—a club record. Their success has also included a first-ever berth in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals. Key players have contributed to this momentum: Hany Mukhtar reached 150 MLS goal contributions with a decisive win against Columbus, Sam Surridge hit 50 career MLS goal contributions, and Brian Schwake remains unbeaten in 13 games as the team’s starting goalkeeper. Saturday’s match presents opportunities for further milestones. Dan Lovitz could reach 300 career MLS regular-season appearances if he plays, while Cristian Espinoza and Surridge are close to hitting 125 and 50 goal contributions, respectively. Schwake’s unbeaten streak and Nashville’s overall unbeaten run could extend, solidifying their position as one of the league’s top teams. The team’s attacking prowess has been a standout feature. The trio of Designated Players—Mukhtar, Surridge, and Espinoza—has combined for seven goals and three assists in four games, with Surridge leading the charge with four goals. Their ability to create and capitalize on chances has been critical, as seen in their Round of 16 clash against Miami, where they overcame a scoreless first leg to secure a dramatic second-leg victory.#concacaf_champions_cup #nashville_sc #geodis_park #orlando_city_sc #hany_mukhtar

América's coach André Jardine confirms no player rotations in Concacaf Champions Cup matches América's head coach, André Jardine, has stated that his team will field its strongest lineup in every match of the Concacaf Champions Cup, prioritizing consistency and performance in the competition. Despite securing a favorable result in the first leg against Philadelphia Union, Jardine emphasized that the club’s focus remains on advancing in the tournament, with no plans to rotate players. The Brazilian coach explained that maintaining a consistent starting XI is crucial for building momentum and ensuring the team operates at its peak. “Since I arrived, I’ve been working to strengthen the squad, but players must also demonstrate their capabilities through minutes on the field,” Jardine said. He highlighted that rotating players complicates the strategy, as repetition and continuity are key to achieving optimal team performance. Jardine reiterated that América’s approach will be to deploy its best 11 players in Concacaf Champions Cup matches, while rotations in Liga MX will be managed based on player workload. “In the Champions Cup, we have to trust our best players for each game, while in Liga MX, we sometimes need to balance the load,” he added. The coach also addressed the absence of Alejandro Zendejas from the Mexican national team’s call-up for the U.S. squad, noting that the forward remains one of the top three players in Liga MX. “Zendejas has been decisive for América throughout the season, and I consider him among the best in the league,” Jardine said. However, he declined to comment on the selection process, stating that such decisions are made by the national team’s coaching staff.#concacaf_champions_cup #amrica #andre_jardine #alejandro_zendejas #rodrigo_dourado

Alajuelense Secures 1-0 Lead Over LAFC in Concacaf Champions Cup Fernando Pinar scored the opening goal for Alajuelense in their Concacaf Champions Cup match against Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), giving his team a 1-0 lead. The goal came in the 1st minute of the second half, with Pinar heading the ball into the upper-left corner of the net from close range following a corner kick. The strike was a crucial moment in the 8th round of the tournament, as Alajuelense looked to maintain their position in the competition. The match began with both teams showing strong defensive organization, but Alajuelense’s attack proved more effective. Pinar’s goal came after a well-executed set piece, with the striker capitalizing on a defensive lapse by LAFC. The goal sent the home crowd into celebration, as Alajuelense took control of the game in the early stages. LAFC responded with pressure in the midfield, but Alajuelense’s defense held firm, limiting the visitors’ opportunities. The match remained tightly contested, with neither team able to break the deadlock until Pinar’s decisive strike. The 1-0 scoreline at halftime reflected Alajuelense’s dominance in the first half, as they managed to neutralize LAFC’s attacking threats. The goal by Pinar was a testament to his positioning and timing, as he was able to react quickly to the corner kick and redirect the ball past the goalkeeper. This performance highlighted Alajuelense’s ability to create chances in set pieces, a strength that could prove vital in the knockout stages of the tournament. As the match progressed, LAFC made tactical adjustments to counter Alajuelense’s threat, but the hosts’ defense remained resolute. The 1-0 lead at halftime put Alajuelense in a favorable position, setting the stage for a potentially decisive second half.#lafc #concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #fernando_pinar #concacaf_champions_cup_8th_round

Alajuelense vs. LAFC Clash in Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Costa Rica’s Alajuelense will face LAFC in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET. The teams drew 1-1 in their first encounter on March 10 in Los Angeles. The match will be broadcast on FS1 and streamed live on FuboTV (with a free trial available) and DIRECTV (also offering a free trial). The game takes place at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Los Angeles FC secured a 2-0 victory over St. Louis City in a crucial MLS match on Saturday, with Mathieu Choiniere scoring both goals and Hugo Lloris recording his fourth consecutive shutout. Choiniere, in his ninth MLS season, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute by slipping a rolling shot inside the left post after intercepting a pass near midfield. He added a second goal in the 81st minute, bending a shot between the legs of defender Timo Baumgartl and into the left post. Lloris, 39, made four saves for LAFC, which has outscored its opponents 8-0 this season. The goalkeeper joined Roman Bürki (St. Louis, 2025) as the only MLS players to achieve four straight shutouts to start a season. St. Louis City’s goalkeeper Bürki made three saves, while LAFC’s Denis Bouanga hit the crossbar early in the match, and Nate Ordaz’s shot from the center of the area bounced off the right post. Both teams wore black armbands with “IL” in white lettering to honor Ilona Löwen, the wife of St. Louis City’s Eduard Löwen, who passed away after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Eduard Löwen, who joined St. Louis as a designated player in 2022, has not played this season. The result highlights LAFC’s dominance in the early stages of the 2026 MLS season, with the team maintaining an undefeated record at 4-0-0.#concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #la_fc #alejandro_morera_soto_stadium #mathieu_choiniere

LAFC vs. Alajuelense: decisive night in Costa Rica with quarterfinals on the line LAFC and newly appointed head coach Marc Dos Santos face a defining test in Costa Rica tonight, with their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign hanging in the balance. The team arrived in Alajuela and trained at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto on the eve of a match that will shape the early narrative of the club’s 2026 season. The Round of 16 series is level at 1-1 on aggregate after a one-sided but ultimately frustrating first leg in Los Angeles. Despite controlling the match, LAFC failed to capitalize, allowing Alajuelense to leave BMO Stadium with a result that now shifts the pressure. The equation is simple. A win sends LAFC through. Any draw other than 0-0 or 1-1 also secures progression. A 1-1 result forces extra time, while a scoreless draw or defeat eliminates the Black & Gold. The winner advances to face either Cruz Azul or Monterrey in the quarterfinals. There is also a layer of internal pressure. LAFC has reached two Concacaf finals (2020, 2023) but has yet to win the competition. Under Steve Cherundolo, the club built a reputation as a contender that fell just short. Dos Santos now inherits that context, and an early exit would immediately raise questions about continuity and ceiling. To make matters more tense, Steven Eustáquio remains a question mark for LAFC heading into the second leg. The midfielder has now missed two matches following the injury sustained in the game officiated by Drew Fischer, and as of yesterday, he was still unavailable in training. His absence would remove a key layer of control in midfield, particularly in build-up and tempo management, placing added responsibility on LAFC’s central unit in a match where composure on the ball could prove decisive.#lafc #concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #marc_dos_santos #estadio_alejandro_morera_soto

Mount Pleasant v LA Galaxy: Ten players from Jamaican side refused entry to US for Concacaf Champions Cup tie Ten players from Jamaican club Mount Pleasant have been denied entry to the United States for their Concacaf Champions Cup match against LA Galaxy on Wednesday. The team, which won the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, is set to make its debut in the tournament at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California. However, visa restrictions have forced the club to call up several academy players for the fixture. Mount Pleasant’s sporting director, Paul Christie, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “We don’t want to just show up for the game, we want to be able to compete, but we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best.” The squad includes seven players from Haiti, raising concerns about the impact of U.S. travel policies on Caribbean teams. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a partial travel ban on Haitian nationals in June 2025, though exemptions exist for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Champions Cup, organized by Concacaf, involves teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, but it remains unclear if an exemption applies to the tournament. The visa complications highlight potential challenges for Haiti at the World Cup, where the nation has qualified for the second time in its history. Haiti is grouped with Morocco, Scotland, and Brazil, and while the U.S. has promised exemptions for athletes, no such guarantees exist for spectators. The State Department clarified that a Fifa Pass for World Cup tickets does not extend to individuals “otherwise not eligible” for visas, though exceptions are made for athletes and support staff. The U.S.#us_president_donald_trump #concacaf_champions_cup #mount_pleasant #la_galaxy #haiti

Marcel Ruiz Injury Raises Concerns for Mexican National Team The Mexican National Team faces growing uncertainty following a significant injury to key player Marcel Ruiz during a crucial match in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The incident occurred in the Round of 16 clash between San Diego FC and Toluca at the Snapdragon Stadium, where Ruiz suffered a knee injury that has raised questions about his availability for future international duties. Ruiz was taken off the field after the injury, though he managed to walk off the pitch under his own power with the aid of a stretcher. The incident followed a contentious moment in the match when Ruiz was struck in the face by a kick from Toluca's Marcus Ingvartsen, prompting the latter to receive a red card for the aggressive action. While the severity of Ruiz's injury remains unclear, Toluca has not yet released an official statement regarding his condition. Medical assessments are expected to provide more clarity in the coming hours. The injury adds to a challenging week for the Mexican squad, which already lost Luis Ángel Malagón to an unspecified issue. With key players sidelined, concerns have emerged about the team's depth and readiness for upcoming competitions. Ruiz's potential absence could impact both domestic and international fixtures, particularly as the national team prepares for critical matches in the near future. The situation highlights the fragility of the squad's roster and the need for careful management of player health amid a demanding schedule.#concacaf_champions_cup #toluca #snapdragon_stadium #marcel_ruiz #mexican_national_team

San Diego FC Set to Face Toluca in CONCACAF Champions Cup Clash San Diego FC will take on Toluca in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 2 and streamed via Fubo, with a free trial available for new users. Toluca, a dominant force in Liga MX, secured a pre-seeded spot in the tournament by winning the 2025 Liga MX Clausura. The team has maintained an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak, dating back to their 2-1 victory over UANL in the 2025 Apertura Finals. In the 2026 Clausura season, Toluca has recorded a 7-3-0 record, including five consecutive wins. San Diego FC advanced to the Round of 16 by defeating Liga MX club UNAM in a two-leg tie. The team secured a 4-1 home win in the first leg but lost 1-0 in the second leg, ultimately progressing via aggregate. In Major League Soccer, San Diego has been dominant, posting shutouts in all three of their matches. Their victories include a 5-0 win over CF Montreal, a 2-0 win against St. Louis City, and a 1-0 road win over Sporting KC. The matchup between San Diego FC and Toluca is expected to be a highlight of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Fans are encouraged to tune in for the full action, with the game offering a blend of competitive play and high stakes. Fubo provides access to a wide range of sports and entertainment channels, including national networks like ESPN and FOX, as well as local sports packages. The service allows users to stream live television on multiple devices without a traditional cable subscription. Regional restrictions may apply for streaming services, and users are advised to check availability in their area.#concacaf_champions_cup #san_diego_fc #toluca #dignity_health_sports_park #fox_sports_2

¡Mohamed revela la prioridad del Toluca! ¿Liga MX o Concacaf Champions Cup? El entrenador del Toluca, Mohamed, dio a conocer su postura sobre la prioridad del equipo en caso de que se decida por un título, revelando cuál sería la opción preferida de los Diablos Rojos. La información fue compartida en un contexto donde el club enfrenta la decisión de enfocarse en la Liga MX o en la Concacaf Champions Cup, torneos que compiten por el mismo objetivo de lograr un título. Según el comunicado publicado el 11 de marzo, el DT destacó que la prioridad dependería de factores como la evolución de los partidos, la disponibilidad de jugadores y las estrategias de los rivales. Sin embargo, se mencionó que el club busca equilibrar ambas competencias, ya que ambos torneos son importantes para el desarrollo del equipo y su proyección internacional. El anuncio se realizó en un momento clave para el Toluca, que busca consolidar su posición en la Liga MX y avanzar en la Concacaf Champions Cup. La decisión del entrenador refleja la complejidad de administrar dos ligas simultáneas, donde cada partido puede tener un impacto significativo en los resultados y la continuidad del equipo. Además, se destacó la importancia de mantener un equilibrio entre el rendimiento en el torneo local y la preparación para enfrentar a rivales de alto nivel en la Concacaf. El entrenador enfatizó que el equipo trabajará para no comprometer su desempeño en ninguna de las competencias, lo que implica una planificación cuidadosa de los partidos y la rotación de jugadores. La prioridad del Toluca, según el comunicado, se basa en la capacidad de adaptarse a los desafíos de ambos torneos, asegurando que el club pueda competir con éxito en ambas instancias. Este enfoque busca no solo lograr títulos, sino también fortalecer la estructura del equipo para el futuro.#concacaf_champions_cup #toluca #mohamed #liga_mx #club

Inter Miami CF Empata 0-0 Con Nashville SC en la Ida de Octavos de Final de la Concacaf Champions Cup El Inter Miami CF, en su visita al Geodis Park, disputó el partido correspondiente a la ida de los octavos de final de la Concacaf Champions Cup 2026 frente al Nashville SC. El encuentro, caracterizado por la falta de emociones, terminó en empate sin goles, lo que deja la definición de la eliminatoria para el próximo miércoles en el Chase Stadium. A continuación, se detalla el calendario de los próximos cinco partidos del conjunto entrenado por Javier Mascherano, que busca mantener su racha de victorias en la MLS y consolidar su presencia en competencias continentales. El primer compromiso será contra Charlotte FC en la cuarta jornada de la MLS, el 14 de marzo en el Bank of America Stadium de Charlotte, Carolina del Norte. El partido se jugará a las 19:30 horas (hora de Estados Unidos), 18:30 (México) y 01:30 (España). El objetivo del Inter Miami es mantener su racha de dos victorias consecutivas en el torneo norteamericano. El 18 de marzo, el cuadro de Fort Lauderdale enfrentará nuevamente al Nashville SC en la vuelta de los octavos de final de la Concacaf Champions Cup. El partido tendrá lugar en el Chase Stadium, donde será el último partido del equipo en ese estadio antes de su debut en el nuevo NU Stadium. La fecha está programada para las 19:00 horas (Estados Unidos), 18:00 (México) y 01:00 (España). En la quinta jornada de la MLS, el Inter Miami viajará a El Bronx para enfrentar a NYC FC el 22 de marzo en el Yankee Stadium. El partido se disputará a las 13:00 horas (Estados Unidos), 12:00 (México) y 19:00 (España). El club busca llenar el estadio, que en ocasiones anteriores ha sido sede de partidos en condiciones no óptimas.#concacaf_champions_cup #nashville_sc #inter_miami_cf #chase_stadium #nu_stadium

Javier Mascherano, entrenador de Inter Miami, expresó que el club tiene grandes expectativas en la CONCACAF Champions Cup, que consideró el último torneo por conquistar, aunque advirtió que no deben obsesionarse con el desafío. El técnico argentino destacó que la competición es una de las metas pendientes para el equipo, pero subrayó la importancia de mantener un enfoque equilibrado. "La 'Champions' es la competencia que nos falta, y a todos nos genera mucha ilusión, pero no nos podemos permitir que nos genere obsesión", dijo Mascherano durante una rueda de prensa previa al partido contra el Nashville, en la ida de los octavos de final de la Copa de Campeones de la Concacaf. El Inter Miami enfrentará al equipo estadounidense mañana en un partido clave para su trayectoria en el torneo. El club de Miami, liderado por Lionel Messi, participó por última vez en la CONCACAF Champions Cup en abril, cuando fue eliminado en semifinales por el Vancouver Whitecaps con un global de 1-5. A pesar de esa experiencia, Mascherano enfatizó que el objetivo de ganar el título continental no debe distraer del compromiso con la MLS. "Empezar bien la liga y llegar lo más lejos posible en 'Champions' son los grandes objetivos en el primer semestre", afirmó. El argentino destacó el rol fundamental de Messi en los planes del equipo, describiéndolo como "un jugador único" cuya contribución trasciende las estadísticas. "Ha conseguido cifras increíbles en goles y asistencias, pero lo que aporta al juego en sí es mucho más", explicó. En cuanto al partido contra el Nashville, Mascherano recordó que el rival es un equipo conocido, ya que se enfrentaron en cinco partidos durante la temporada pasada. "Ha empezado muy bien la liga. Es de los mejores equipos de la Conferencia (Este) en estos tres partidos.#lionel_messi #nashville #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #javier_mascherano

Nashville SC - Inter Miami en vivo: Concacaf Champions Cup, IDA en directo - AS USA La Concacaf Champions Cup regresa con el partido de ida de los octavos de final entre Nashville SC y Inter Miami, un enfrentamiento que promete ser intenso y lleno de emociones. El partido se disputa en el Geodis Park, donde los locales, conocidos como "The Six Strings", intentarán aprovechar la afición local para superar al equipo argentino, que cuenta con la presencia de Lionel Messi. El análisis previo destaca la alineación de Nashville SC, que mantiene la misma formación 4-2-3-1 que ha utilizado durante la temporada en la MLS. El mediocampista B.J. Callaghan se ha destacado como figura clave, aunque su equipo enfrenta un reto: la necesidad de mejorar su rendimiento frente a un rival que ha demostrado ser competitivo en partidos recientes. La formación visitante, liderada por Messi, busca aprovechar su experiencia y la presión de la eliminatoria. El partido tiene un contexto histórico importante. En una visita anterior al Geodis Park, el Inter Miami cayó 2-1 en 2025, con goles de Josh Bauer, Sam Surridge y Lionel Messi. Sin embargo, en el partido anterior, disputado en el extinto Chase Stadium, el equipo argentino logró una victoria más abrumadora, con un doblete de Tadeo Allende y un gol de Messi, que se acerca a los 900 tantos en su carrera profesional. El partido se presenta como una oportunidad para que Messi marque un hito en su trayectoria. Con un solo gol, el astro argentino podría convertirse en el primer jugador en alcanzar esa cifra en la historia del fútbol profesional. La presión sobre el equipo de Miami es alta, ya que su desempeño en la Concacaf Champions Cup ha sido clave para su progreso en el torneo. Los seguidores del fútbol pueden seguir el desarrollo del partido en tiempo real a través de AS.#lionel_messi #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #nashville_sc #geodis_park

Inter Miami & Nashville SC renew rivalry in Concacaf Champions Cup Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC are set to clash again in the Concacaf Champions Cup, continuing a historic rivalry that has defined much of the MLS side’s success since Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023. The matchup, which kicks off on Wednesday at GEODIS Park, marks the first leg of a Round-of-16 series that could determine whether Miami continues its dominance over the Music City club or if Nashville’s recent improvements can shift the balance. Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, acknowledged Nashville’s motivation, calling them an “opponent that’s looking for revenge.” The Herons have consistently outperformed Nashville in key moments, including a 4-0 victory in November 2025 that secured Miami’s place in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Their success against the club has been particularly notable during Messi’s tenure, with the Argentine forward scoring 15 goals in 10 matches against Nashville across all competitions. A goal on Wednesday would bring Messi’s career tally to 900, a milestone Mascherano described as “something crazy” and “incredible.” Nashville, however, has made significant strides since their 2025 loss to Miami. Under head coach B.J. Callaghan, the club has maintained an undefeated record in their first five games of 2026, showcasing improved cohesion and attacking flair. The team’s acquisition of Cristian Espinoza, a free-agent signing from the San Jose Earthquakes, has bolstered their offensive options. Alongside Designated Players Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, Espinoza’s addition has created dangerous attacking combinations that led Nashville to the 2025 US Open Cup title.#concacaf_champions_cup #javier_mascherano #nashville_sc #inter_miami_cf #b_j_callaghan

Inter Miami CF Set to Visit Nashville SC for Champions Cup Round of 16 First Leg Inter Miami CF is set to face Nashville SC in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday, March 11. The match will take place at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live in English on FS2 and in Spanish on TUDN. The reigning MLS Cup champions enter the competition following two consecutive victories in the regular season, defeating Orlando City SC and D.C. United on the road. Inter Miami’s campaign in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup marks its third appearance in the region’s premier club competition, which will run from February to May. The tournament structure includes Round One in February, the Round of 16 in March, Quarterfinals in April, Semifinals in late April and early May, and the final on May 30. Inter Miami was pre-seeded into the Round of 16 for securing the 2025 MLS Cup title. Head Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the significance of the competition, stating, “It’s a competition that excites us because it’s a competition the Club hasn’t been able to win before. It’s not easy, and above all it excites us because last year we were just one step away from reaching the final. But we also know it’s a very difficult matchup. We’re facing an opponent that has started very strongly in our league, one of the best in our conference, and a team that has strengthened well and is really performing well.” Inter Miami’s history in the Concacaf Champions Cup includes a 2024 Round of 16 series against Nashville SC, where the team won 5-3 on aggregate. The 2025 edition saw Inter Miami reach the Semifinals, overcoming Sporting Kansas City, Cavalier FC, and LAFC before falling to Vancouver Whitecaps.#concacaf_champions_cup #javier_mascherano #nashville_sc #inter_miami_cf #geodis_park

Javier Mascherano: Inter Miami Ve la CONCACAF Champions Cup como Último Reto Javier Mascherano, entrenador del Inter Miami, expresó que el club tiene grandes expectativas en la CONCACAF Champions Cup, destacando que es el último torneo que les queda por conquistar. Sin embargo, advirtió que el equipo debe mantener un enfoque equilibrado para evitar que la competición se convierta en una obsesión. El técnico argentino habló durante una rueda de prensa antes del debut del Inter Miami en la nueva edición del torneo. El Inter Miami enfrentará al Nashville en la ida de los octavos de final de la Copa de Campeones de la Concacaf. Esta será la segunda vez que se enfrentan, tras haber jugado cinco partidos en la temporada pasada. Mascherano destacó que el Nashville ha comenzado fuerte en la Liga MLS, destacándose como uno de los mejores equipos de la Conferencia Este en los primeros tres partidos. "Va a ser un partido duro", afirmó. El club, liderado por Lionel Messi, no ha logrado ganar la CONCACAF Champions Cup en su historia. Su última participación fue en abril, cuando cayó en semifinales frente al Vancouver Whitecaps con un global de 1-5. Aunque el título continental es un objetivo importante, Mascherano enfatizó que la prioridad del equipo es comenzar bien la temporada en la MLS y llegar lo más lejos posible en la Champions. El entrenador resaltó el papel fundamental de Messi en los objetivos del club. Consideró al argentino "un jugador único" cuya contribución al juego trasciende las estadísticas. "No solo ha alcanzado cifras increíbles en goles y asistencias, sino que aporta mucho más al desarrollo del equipo", dijo. La vuelta de los octavos de final de la Copa de Campeones se jugará en Miami el 18 de enero.#lionel_messi #nashville #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup #javier_mascherano

Lionel Messi está a un gol de alcanzar la marca histórica de 900 tantos en su carrera profesional. El astro argentino, que actualmente tiene 899 goles, podría lograr este hito en el próximo partido de Inter Miami contra Nashville en la Concacaf Champions Cup. El enfrentamiento, que será la ida de los octavos de final, podría quedar en la historia si Messi anota, convirtiéndose en el segundo jugador en lograr esta cifra tras Cristiano Ronaldo. El argentino se acerca a este récord tras marcar en el triunfo de Inter Miami ante DC United en la MLS, lo que le permitió llegar a 899 goles oficiales. Solo necesita un tanto en el partido contra Nashville para alcanzar los 900, un logro que solo han conseguido unos pocos jugadores en la historia del fútbol. Si lo consigue, Messi se unirá a Ronaldo como los únicos en alcanzar esta cifra, reforzando su legado como uno de los mejores del deporte. La posibilidad de que Messi alcance los 900 goles resalta la rivalidad histórica entre él y Cristiano Ronaldo, que ha sido un tema central en el fútbol mundial durante más de una década. Ambos jugadores han dominado el balompié y continúan extendiendo sus registros goleadores incluso en las últimas etapas de sus carreras. Muchos aficionados especulan si podrían ser los primeros en superar los 1000 tantos, consolidando su lugar como figuras inigualables. El partido contra Nashville también tiene un contexto favorable para Messi. En la última enfrentamiento entre ambos equipos, el argentino fue clave al marcar un doblete que ayudó a Inter Miami a clasificarse en los playoffs. Además, en los dos últimos partidos contra Nashville, Messi ha anotado tres goles, lo que demuestra que el equipo estadounidense le ha sido un rival al que le sienta bien. Esta tendencia podría ser clave para que el astro argentino logre su objetivo.#lionel_messi #nashville #cristiano_ronaldo #inter_miami #concacaf_champions_cup

LAFC vs Alajuelense Preview & Prediction | 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup | Round of 16 Los Angeles FC will face Alajuelense in the Round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the first leg set to take place in California. LAFC enters the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 victory over Dallas, securing their fifth consecutive win across all competitions. The club has already demonstrated strong form in the tournament, defeating Real Espana 7-1 on aggregate in the first round. Alajuelense, meanwhile, has shown consistency in domestic play, defeating San Carlos 2-0 to claim top spot in the 2025 Costa Rican Primera Division Clausura. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with Alajuelense likely to benefit from playing at home. However, LAFC is viewed as the stronger team heading into the tie, given their recent performances and overall squad depth. The visitors will aim to build on their early success in the competition, while Alajuelense will look to leverage their home advantage to secure a positive result. For viewers, the match will be televised in the United States on TUDN and Fox Sports, with additional coverage available online via ViX and Fubo. Fans in the UK can stream the game live on the official CONCACAF YouTube channel. The prediction for the encounter favors LAFC, with both teams expected to score. The result could set the tone for the second leg, which will be played at Alajuelense’s home stadium. LAFC’s ability to maintain their winning streak and capitalize on their strong start to the campaign will be crucial in advancing further in the tournament.#lafc #concacaf_champions_cup #alajuelense #round_of_16 #costa_rican_primera_division_clausura