In a thrilling first leg of the Concacaf Champions semifinal, Inter Miami faced a challenging defeat against the Vancouver Whitecaps, falling 2-0 at BC Place Stadium on April 24, 2025. Despite the presence of superstar Lionel Messi in the starting lineup, the team struggled to convert their possession into goals, leaving them with a steep hill to climb in the return leg.
The match kicked off with an intense atmosphere, as both teams displayed their determination to advance to the final. Vancouver struck first in the 23rd minute when Brian White, capitalizing on a well-executed play from a throw-in, headed the ball into the net after a swift series of passes. This goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Inter Miami, under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano, had 69% possession throughout the game but found it challenging to break through Vancouver's solid defense. Messi, who was involved in several attacking plays, had a notable opportunity in the 35th minute when he received a pass from Federico Redondo. However, his powerful shot was saved by Vancouver's goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, who had a standout performance.
The physical nature of the match was evident, with referee Mario Escobar issuing five yellow cards—three to Vancouver and two to Inter Miami—over 18 stoppages in play. One of the more heated moments occurred in the 28th minute when Messi confronted Whitecaps midfielder Andrés Cubas after a hard foul, showcasing the intensity of the encounter.
As the second half progressed, Inter Miami ramped up their attacking efforts, but Vancouver's defense held firm. Messi had another chance in the 70th minute, unleashing a shot that was again expertly saved by Takaoka. The Whitecaps doubled their lead in the 85th minute when Sebastián Berhalter finished off a slick move involving Jayden Nelson and Emmanuel Sabbi, effectively sealing the match for the home team.
Despite the 2-0 deficit, the series remains open, with the second leg scheduled for April 30, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will need to score at least two goals to force penalties and avoid elimination, while also ensuring they do not concede any away goals.
In the previous round, Inter Miami advanced after a hard-fought series against Los Angeles FC, winning 3-2 on aggregate. Vancouver, on the other hand, eliminated Pumas UNAM of Mexico on away goals after a thrilling 3-3 aggregate tie. The other semifinal match saw Cruz Azul and Tigres de México finish in a 1-1 draw, setting up an exciting final round.
Both teams showcased their depth and determination, but it was Vancouver's ability to capitalize on their chances that made the difference. As the players prepare for the return leg, the stakes couldn't be higher, and fans on both sides will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this gripping semifinal.
In terms of lineups, Vancouver Whitecaps featured Yohei Takaoka in goal, supported by Tate Johnson, Ranko Veselinović, Tristan Blackmon, Édier Ocampo, Pedro Vite, Andrés Cubas, Sebastian Berhalter, Ali Ahmed, Brian White, and Daniel Rios. Inter Miami lined up with Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcón, Marcelo Weigandt, Telasco Segovia, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Tadeo Allende, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi.
As the countdown to the second leg begins, Inter Miami must regroup and strategize effectively to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive in the Concacaf Champions League. Will Messi and his teammates rise to the challenge on home soil? Fans will find out soon enough.
