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.

Messi has been recovering from a groin injury suffered earlier this month. He's available, but it remains to be seen how much. And he's far from the only Miami player who can give the Union trouble.