The Lionel Messi formula! How LAFC shut out Inter Miami superstars in CONCACAF Champions Cup win

The California-based outfit headed into a continental clash with the Herons fully aware of the attacking threat that they were facing. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was handed a starting berth alongside the likes of Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Inter Miami’s collection of Barcelona legends were, however, to draw a blank at BMO Stadium as the hosts ran out 1-0 victors on the day. Few sides in MLS have been able to keep Messi quiet, but LAFC have shown what can be achieved with the right game plan.

Head coach Steve Cherundolo told reporters: "I think [Messi] always had a black jersey in front of him and that's the point. You can't defend him, nor can you always shut down Jordi Alba, Busquets [or] Suarez.

"Those guys are going to get a chance or two and the only way to defend players of that quality and teams with that quality is with the collective effort. The collective effort and getting numbers around their players in the critical areas was important and we did a good job."

LAFC do, however, only have half the job done in their quarter-final encounter. They will need to contain Messi and Co again when visiting Chase Stadium on April 9. Sergi Palencia said of that challenge: "Just be aggressive, be ourselves, don't be afraid, don't be shy. Let's just, let's go.

"We know [it is] so difficult if we sit in a low block and we want to maintain this 0-0 and get past the round; it's going to be a long, long night. We have to press them, we have to be brave and we have nothing to lose. We are in a good position, but we have to confirm that."

Messi returned to Inter Miami’s starting XI in Los Angeles after seeing his game time carefully managed of late. With major silverware up for grabs, the expectation is that the Argentine superstar will figure from the off again when LAFC make a cross-country trip to South Florida.