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,

Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko's access at Inter Miami CF games has changed, a club spokesperson told USA TODAY Sports.