A massive showdown is on the horizon as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face off against LAFC in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Mascherano’s squad remains undefeated in the competition, but this matchup carries extra significance for Messi—it’s a reunion with Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper he famously defeated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
Lloris, now the face of LAFC, is leading the young franchise as they chase international glory. Ahead of the highly anticipated quarterfinal clash, the former Tottenham goalkeeper spoke to La Nación, where he praised Messi and discussed Argentina’s prospects for the 2026 World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper expressed his belief that Argentina will not take the field in 2026 without their captain and emphasized his deep admiration for Messi’s greatness.
“I don’t see Argentina without Messi at the next World Cup. I think he will be there. He still plays and enjoys football. It’s his decision, but of course, we all want to keep watching him play,” Lloris said.
Lionel Messi of Argentina scores the team’s third goal past Hugo Lloris of France during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match. (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
“I have so much admiration for Leo,” he admitted. “To me, he is at the very top of the list of the greatest players, no doubt. I’m from the generation that got to see him and play against him”.
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Messi vs. Lloris: A rivalry through the years
This quarterfinal matchup between Inter Miami and LAFC will mark the seventh time Messi and Lloris have faced off, and it’s their first meeting since Argentina’s dramatic victory over France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
Their rivalry dates back to 2009 when Messi, playing for Barcelona, met Lloris’ Lyon in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, but in the second leg, Barcelona dominated with a 5-2 win, with Messi scoring the team’s third goal.
Nearly a decade later, the two met again in the 2018 World Cup Round of 16, where France emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-3 win over Argentina, ultimately going on to lift the trophy after defeating Croatia in the final.
Later that year, their rivalry continued in the 2018 Champions League group stage. Now with Tottenham, Lloris faced Messi’s Barcelona once again. Messi put on a show in London, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory for Barça. The return leg in Spain ended in a 1-1 draw, with Messi coming off the bench.
Of course, their most memorable battle came in the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina edged out France in a penalty shootout to secure their third title and Messi’s first World Cup triumph.
Lloris’ career and new chapter in MLS
At 38, Lloris is embracing a new chapter in MLS, bringing his experience and leadership to LAFC as they push for major silverware. Throughout his illustrious career, the French legend has played for Nice, Lyon, Tottenham, and now LAFC, amassing an incredible 735 official appearances and conceding just 806 goals.
His trophy cabinet includes the 2012 Coupe de France, the 2012 Trophée des Champions, and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. On the international stage, he led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and added the 2021 UEFA Nations League title to his impressive résumé.
