After a narrow defeat in Charlotte just over a week ago, the Black and Gold find themselves in a tight race for second place in their conference as they head into the weekend. LAFC currently holds that position, edging out the Seattle Sounders based on goal difference, with only three points separating them from Real Salt Lake in sixth.

When it comes to their home performances, Los Angeles has struggled to secure wins when conceding in the opening half of matches in this competition. However, they have remained unbeaten at BMO Stadium in 2023 whenever they manage to keep the opposition off the scoresheet after the first 45 minutes. They've dropped points in this scenario only once all year, playing to a 0-0 draw against Atlanta United.

In their previous encounters against Eastern Conference teams this season, Los Angeles has been winless in three matches. However, they have maintained a strong defensive record against the East in this competition, with the exception of a 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union last May.

The arrival of Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and the 2022 World Cup champion, has had a transformative effect on Inter Miami's fortunes in Fort Lauderdale. They've transitioned from being considered bottom feeders to legitimate contenders for the cup.

Inter Miami still has games in hand on every Eastern Conference side and may need to secure victories in all of them to climb above the playoff line. They currently have five teams to catch in the postseason race and 10 matches left to play.

While on paper, Los Angeles may outshine Inter Miami in various statistical categories, the Herons possess a unique asset that sets them apart from other MLS clubs: Lionel Messi. His presence has single-handedly transformed Miami's fortunes this season, elevating the performance of many players on the team since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. As they prepare to face LAFC, we anticipate Messi, along with his former Barcelona teammates Busquets and Alba, to make a significant impact on Sunday's match.

I expect the guests to win at least a point here. Good luck!

在一个多星期前在夏洛特以微弱劣势落败后，黑金队发现自己在周末进入第二名的竞争非常激烈。LAFC目前保持第一的位置，以净胜球优势击败西雅图海湾人，与排名第六的皇家盐湖城仅差3分。

当谈到主场表现时，洛杉矶队在这场比赛的前半场比赛中一直在努力取得胜利。然而，在2023年的BMO球场，只要他们在开场45分钟后就能阻止对手进球，他们就能保持不败。在这种情况下，他们全年只丢过一次分，那就是0-0战平亚特兰大联队。

在本赛季之前与东部球队的交锋中，洛杉矶湖人队在三场比赛中没有获胜。然而，除了去年5月2-2战平费城联盟队外，他们在这场比赛中对东部保持着强大的防守记录。

七届金球奖得主、2022年世界杯冠军莱昂内尔·梅西的到来，对国际迈阿密在劳德代尔堡的命运产生了变革性的影响。他们已经从被认为是垫底的球队转变为杯赛的合法竞争者。

国际迈阿密队在东部的每一支球队都有比赛要打，他们可能需要在所有的比赛中取得胜利才能进入季后赛。他们目前在季后赛中有五支球队要追赶，还有10场比赛要打。

虽然从纸面上看，洛杉矶可能在各种统计指标上都超过了迈阿密国际，但苍鹭队拥有一项独特的资产，使他们与其他大联盟俱乐部区别开:莱昂内尔·梅西。自从他从巴黎圣日耳曼来到迈阿密后，他的存在改变了迈阿密本赛季的命运，提升了球队许多球员的表现。当他们准备面对LAFC时，我们预计梅西和他的前巴塞罗那队友布斯克茨和阿尔巴将在周日的比赛中产生重大影响。

我希望客人在这里至少能赢一分。好运！