FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The CONCACAF Champions Cup has reached a thrilling climax as the Inter Miami CF faced off against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the second leg of the semi-finals on April 30, 2025. With the Whitecaps having triumphed 2-0 in the first leg at BC Place, the stakes were high for Miami, who needed to overturn a two-goal deficit in front of their home crowd at Chase Stadium.
The match kicked off at 8 p.m. ET, and fans were eager to see if Lionel Messi and his teammates could mount a comeback. Unfortunately for the home side, the evening would not unfold as they hoped. Vancouver's Brian White and Pedro Vite struck early in the second half, scoring two goals in under two minutes, effectively sealing Inter Miami's fate with a commanding 3-1 victory on the night and a 5-1 aggregate score.
Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, was left to ponder the implications of this loss as it marked the first time since Messi joined the club in July 2023 that they had lost three consecutive matches across all competitions. Despite a promising start with Jordi Alba's goal in the ninth minute, which momentarily cut Vancouver's aggregate lead to 2-1, the team could not maintain their momentum.
Messi, who had been a pivotal figure for Miami throughout the tournament, was unable to find the net, extending his goal drought to four matches. His frustration was palpable as he missed a golden opportunity in the 17th minute, mishitting a shot that soared into the stands. Meanwhile, Luis Suárez, another marquee signing, has not scored in his last ten games, leaving fans questioning the effectiveness of Miami's star-studded lineup.
Vancouver's dominance was evident as they controlled the match, with Sebastian Berhalter contributing significantly. After assisting on the first two goals, he capped off a stellar performance by scoring in the 71st minute, further solidifying Vancouver's place in the final.
As the final whistle blew, Vancouver's players celebrated their historic victory, having secured a spot in the Champions Cup final on June 1, 2025, where they will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL. The Whitecaps are currently leading the MLS Supporters' Shield standings with 23 points, showcasing their impressive form this season.
For Inter Miami, the loss raises significant concerns as they look to salvage their 2025 season. Having previously set the league record with 74 points and winning the Supporters' Shield last season, this defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face. The club's hopes now rest on their ability to regroup and focus on the remaining trophies, including the Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup this summer.
The upcoming fixtures for Inter Miami include a match against the New York Red Bulls on May 3, followed by games against Minnesota United, San Jose, Orlando City, and Philadelphia Union. Each of these matches will be crucial as they seek to bounce back from this disappointing exit from the Champions Cup.
As the soccer world watches, the question remains: can Messi and Inter Miami turn their fortunes around, or will this loss signal a troubling trend for the team as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the pressure is on for Miami to deliver.
