The El Tráfico derby has become bitter in recent times, with clashes between Los Angeles cross-city rivals LAFC and LA Galaxy having been some of the most fierce in MLS - and the most recent round of tension was started by a Lionel Messi-inspired celebration.
Of course, the fireworks and controversy that has accompanied the fixture in recent years also is likely to increase the intrigue surrounding the July 4 game between the two rivals. This is the first time the two teams have faced each other since a tense encounter in the US Open Cup back in May which saw the Galaxy run out 2-0 winners.
Two of the standout names from the clubs were involved in some petty joshing in the knockout game, with former Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini having criticised opposition player Riqui Puig following the Barcelona academy graduate's goal in the fixture. The Italian veteran was particularly irked by the 23-year-old's celebration following his strike, which put the result beyond doubt.
The celebration paid homage to Messi, with the four-time Spanish U-21s midfielder having removed his shirt before holding it up to the crowd. The experienced LAFC defender did not see the funny side of the youngster's antics, however, brandishing the player a "clown" in the tunnel following the game.
Tensions have since cooled somewhat, with the 38-year-old having issued an apology, especially with his words having been picked up by the media as opposed to delivered directly. That said, he did double down in some regard, by adding that he still felt the celebration was 'disrespectful' in tone.
He said: “I have to apologise to him, because I didn’t have to say this word so close to the media. I talked to him after that in the car park. It was a very disrespectful celebration to our kit, but I love him as a player. We don’t have to continue this thing and hopefully we can close it.”
The latest instalment in the saga will take place in front of a capacity crowd at the historic Rose Bowl, with supporters expected to turn out in their droves to see the Californian franchises face off. There is no doubt that the Galaxy boasts the more pedigree of the two clubs, having won the MLS Cup on a record five occasions, however, LAFC has won the illustrious trophy more recently.
Established back in 2014, the Falcons have since emerged as a true heavyweight in the US league and completed a league double consisting of the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield in 2022. This triumph, spearheaded by the likes of Carlos Vela and Gareth Bale, followed on from finishing runners-up in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2020.
In contrast, the LA Galaxy has failed to qualify the MLS Cup playoffs on just two occasions in the past six seasons, with their last triumph in the showpiece competition coming all the way back in 2014. The re-establishment of the order in La La Land has continued this season as well, with LAFC currently sitting in second in the Western Conference standings, with the Galaxy languishing second from bottom.
Clearly, the contrast in the fortunes of both teams is pretty stark at the moment but this does not seem to be dampening the anticipation ahead of their latest meeting. In fact, it is expected that the clash will see the attendance record for a regular MLS game beaten, even trumping the previous highest total of 74,479 for the game between Charlotte FC and LA Galaxy at Bank of America Stadium last term.
All told, the clash between these fierce Los Angeles rivals promises to be a fixture that could see fireworks once more and it comes as little surprise that it has captured the imaginations of the public at large.
