{"id":661207,"date":"2025-11-04T11:30:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T16:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=661207"},"modified":"2025-11-04T06:03:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T11:03:15","slug":"chivas-clinch-liga-mx-playoff-lionel-messi-mls-elimination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/11\/04\/chivas-clinch-liga-mx-playoff-lionel-messi-mls-elimination\/","title":{"rendered":"CONCACAF Recap: Chivas Clinch Liga MX Playoff Spot as Lionel Messi Faces Win-or-Go-Home MLS Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Ahead of the international break, North American football is setting the stage for a dramatic series of elimination clashes. In MLS, the first round of the playoffs has produced several decisive Game 3 matchups, while <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/24\/liga-mx-apertura-playoff-race-toluca-tigres-among-five-teams-already-qualified\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Liga MX\u2019s regular season<\/a> reaches its final matchday with playoff positions on the line. Meanwhile, the CONCACAF Central American Cup semifinals have wrapped up, setting the stage for (possibly) a new regional champion. In South America, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/11\/04\/river-plate-turmoil-headlines-south-american-football-round-up\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">River Plate is in the midst of a turmoil<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Hormiga Gonzalez Carries Chivas To Liga MX Playoffs<\/h2>\n<p>Liga MX has a <a href=\"https:\/\/vivaligamx.com\/the-rise-of-armando-hormiga-gonzalez-mexico-s-next-goalscoring-machine-01k8hej7by7h\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">new star<\/a>. Chivas\u2019 22-year-old striker Armando \u201cHormiga\u201d Gonz\u00e1lez is suddenly making a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soyfutbol.com\/en\/news\/liga-mx-chivas-fans-demand-hormiga-gonzalez-as-starter-for-mexican-national-team-20251103-0083.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">strong case to be selected for El Tri<\/a> ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gonz\u00e1lez has spearheaded a late-season resurgence for Chivas \u2014 Mexico\u2019s most popular club \u2014 with 11 goals in 16 appearances.<\/p>\n<p>He delivered a stunning outside-the-box winner against Pachuca last weekend, giving Chivas their sixth victory in the last seven Liga MX matches. Gonz\u00e1lez also netted a hat trick in the October 25th Cl\u00e1sico Tapat\u00edo against Atlas, helping secure Chivas\u2019 spot in the Liga MX Apertura playoffs. With one game left, they\u2019re projected to finish as the sixth seed (8-2-6) and will close out the regular season at home against fifth-place Monterrey Rayados (9-4-3).<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u00a1GOLAZO DE LA HORMIGA! | Pachuca vs Chivas | Jornada 16 Apertura 2025\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XiBxW3HdsYc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Cl\u00e1sico Regio Ends in a Draw<\/h2>\n<p>Rayados hosted eternal rivals Tigres UANL at Estadio BBVA over the weekend, settling for a tense 1\u20131 draw that easily could have gone worse. Tigres, unbeaten since August, looked poised to take control after Rayados Corcho Rodr\u00edguez was sent off on a red card for a harsh tackle in the 32nd minute. Despite creating multiple clear chances, Tigres failed to capitalize before Jes\u00fas \u00c1ngulo conceded a penalty and received a second yellow card, allowing Sergio Canales to convert from the spot for Monterrey.<\/p>\n<p>Playing 10v10 in the second half, Tigres continued to look sharper. \u00c1ngel Correa broke through the line for a goal in the 67th minute from a Juan Brunetta assist \u2014 one of Liga MX\u2019s most dangerous partnerships in form.<\/p>\n<p>Coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/09\/13\/anthony-martial-allan-saint-maximin-new-stars-liga-mx\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">expensive Rayados signing Anthony Martial<\/a> \u2014 the former Manchester United \u201cstarboy\u201d \u2014 again struggled to make an impact. Martial has yet to record a goal or assist in seven appearances and continues to see limited minutes off the bench in Domenec Torrent\u2019s Spanish-heavy squad. Monterrey look set for a fifth-place finish, the only top-five team without a win over another top-four side this season. Rayados fans are also worried about the form of Uruguayan international goalkeeper Santiago Mele.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"EL COLOR DE DAVID FAITELSON: El CL\u00c1SICO REGIO no se compara con nada y con nadie\u2026 \ud83d\udc2f\ud83e\udd20 | TUDN\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cRMFAGoNrqA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Cruz Azul leads the Liga MX table with one game to play, while Toluca and Club Am\u00e9rica sit just one point behind, and Tigres two back. Toluca star Alexis Vega <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/soccer\/mexico-national-team-november-plans-affected-injury\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">will miss international duty with El Tri<\/a> due to injury, and Toluca will need him back if they are to repeat as Champions.<\/p>\n<h3>Liga MX Play-In Positions To Be Decided on Final Matchday<\/h3>\n<p>The final playoff berths will be decided this weekend. Ju\u00e1rez and Pachuca have already clinched play-in spots, while Tijuana Xolos (9th, 21 points) are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flashscore.com\/football\/mexico\/liga-mx\/standings\/#\/n5NRx9yA\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">three points clear<\/a> of the final play-in position. Pumas (18 points), Santos Laguna, Atlas, Quer\u00e9taro, Atl\u00e9tico San Luis, and Necaxa all remain mathematically alive for that last berth.<\/p>\n<p>In off-field news, Welsh international Aaron Ramsey terminated his contract with Pumas (a Mexico City club) after an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/soccer\/story\/_\/id\/46833813\/ex-arsenal-star-aaron-ramsey-move-disappearance-dog\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">animal care center lost his family dog<\/a>, abruptly ending his Liga MX stint after six games.<\/p>\n<h3>Lionel Messi Faces Win-or-Go-Home Game 3 in 2025 MLS Playoffs<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu for Inter Miami in the 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/18\/lionel-messi-secures-golden-boot-2025-mls-playoffs-locked-in\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">MLS Cup Playoffs<\/a>. Last season, they were knocked out in Game 3 by Atlanta United. This year, Nashville SC has forced another decisive third match in Miami to settle their first-round series.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF | Full Match Highlights | 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WTs0gida9sI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Messi has scored three goals in two games, but Miami fell behind early in Game 2 at Nashville and never recovered. Game 3 is set for November 8th at Chase Stadium, marking what could be the final playoff appearance for veterans <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/08\/inter-miami-jordi-alba-retire\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Jordi Alba<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/07\/the-worlds-star-the-leagues-leader-mls-bids-farewell-to-sergio-busquets-and-darlington-nagbe\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Sergio Busquets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere in MLS, several other Round 1 series are also going the distance. Top-seeded Philadelphia Union advanced after winning Game 1 on penalties and cruising in Game 2 against the Chicago Fire. FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew traded wins, forcing a decisive derby showdown, while Charlotte FC stayed alive with a dramatic 7\u20136 penalty shootout victory over NYCFC to force a Game 3 at home.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati | Full Match Highlights | 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jo-7_dSf14Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Son Heung-min\u2019s LAFC to Face Thomas M\u00fcller\u2019s Vancouver Whitecaps<\/h3>\n<p>In the Western Conference, two of MLS\u2019s in-form clubs made quick work of their opening series. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/10\/19\/son-heung-min-aims-for-an-mls-championship-in-his-first-season-with-lafc\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">LAFC<\/a> swept Austin FC, winning 4\u20131 in Game 2 behind a Denis Bouanga brace and an opener from Son Heung-min.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Son Heung-Min NASTY STEPOVER and STRIKE!\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QRtDR68cLxM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>They\u2019ll face Thomas M\u00fcller and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals. Vancouver won Game 1 over FC Dallas 3\u20130 with M\u00fcller scoring from the penalty spot, then survived a dramatic Game 2 \u2014 equalizing in extra time before prevailing in a perfect penalty shootout.<\/p>\n<p>Seattle Sounders youthful superstar Obed Vargas scored twice to force a Game 3 against Minnesota United, while expansion side San Diego FC continue their remarkable debut campaign. After winning Game 1 at home against Portland, they suffered heartbreak in Game 2, conceding a 98th-minute equalizer before losing on penalties. Game 3 on November 9th in San Diego promises to be a spectacular atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC | Full Match Highlights | 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/W-Kc9rHyG4Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Alajuelense to Face Xelaj\u00fa in 2025 CONCACAF Central American Cup Final<\/h3>\n<p>A bye round berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup \u2014 and regional bragging rights \u2014 will be on the line when Costa Rica\u2019s Alajuelense face Guatemala\u2019s Xelaj\u00fa in the 2025 CONCACAF Central American Cup Final. The two-legged final will take place between late November and early December.<\/p>\n<p>The competition, now in its third season, has been run by Alajuelense, who are seeking their third straight title. Surprisingly, neither finalist topped their group. Xelaj\u00fa advanced past Sporting San Miguelito of Panama after extra time, while Alajuelense eliminated Honduran side F.C. Motagua.<\/p>\n<p>Both semifinals were decided by penalty shootouts \u2014 Xelaj\u00fa edged Honduran side Real Espa\u00f1a, and Alajuelense held off Honduran side Olimpia thanks to flawless goalkeeping in the tiebreak.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Club Olimpia vs LD Alajuelense | Copa Centroamericana Concacaf 2025 | Semifinal\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D0tNZRDdE-w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>As the international break arrives, the stage is set across North and Central America for a thrilling month of playoff deciders and continental glory.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: IMAGO \/ Action Plus<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ahead of the international break, North American football is setting the stage for a dramatic series of elimination clashes. In MLS, the first round of the playoffs has produced several decisive Game 3 matchups, while Liga MX\u2019s regular season reaches its final matchday with playoff positions on the line. Meanwhile, the CONCACAF Central American Cup [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1442,"featured_media":655849,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,2],"tags":[432,32522,651,4621,32384,41,624,7695,4415,1914],"class_list":["post-661207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-featured","tag-anthony-martial","tag-chivas","tag-concacaf","tag-inter-miami","tag-liga-mx","tag-lionel-messi","tag-mls","tag-mls-cup","tag-monterrey","tag-son-heung-min"],"modified_by":"Steen Kirby","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/661207","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1442"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=661207"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/661207\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":661214,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/661207\/revisions\/661214"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/655849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=661207"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=661207"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=661207"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}