FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — In a stunning display of skill and strategy, the Vancouver Whitecaps triumphed over Inter Miami with a decisive 3-1 victory in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal on April 30, 2025, eliminating Lionel Messi’s squad from the tournament. The Whitecaps’ win not only secured a 5-1 aggregate score but also marked a significant moment for the Canadian club as they advanced to the final, where they will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UNAL on June 1.
Brian White and Pedro Vite scored two minutes apart early in the second half, turning the tide in favor of Vancouver after they had entered the match trailing 0-2 on aggregate. Sebastian Berhalter also contributed to the scoring, solidifying the Whitecaps’ dominance in the match. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, who had hoped to leverage their home advantage at Chase Stadium, found themselves struggling to overcome the deficit.
The match began with a spark when Messi assisted Jordi Alba, who scored Miami’s first goal just nine minutes into the game, giving fans a glimmer of hope. However, the Whitecaps quickly extinguished that hope. Vancouver’s equalizer came in the 51st minute when Berhalter found White, who deftly slotted the ball home. Just two minutes later, Vite capitalized on a defensive deflection to put the Whitecaps ahead.
Berhalter, who had already assisted on the first two goals, put the game out of reach in the 71st minute with a powerful shot from the center of the box that found the bottom left corner. “We did ourselves a very good favor last week,” said Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen. “Because we didn’t need to rush things tonight, and we didn’t need to go panicking because we were up 2-0 in aggregate.”
Despite the early lead, Miami struggled to maintain momentum throughout the match, suffering their third consecutive loss—their longest losing streak since Messi joined the club in July 2023. Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed disappointment after the game, stating, “We need to improve. Going forward, we need to learn from the last week because obviously the feeling is really, really bad. They were much better than us.”
Vancouver’s victory was not just a personal achievement for the players but a testament to the club’s resilience and growth over the years. The Whitecaps, who have seen significant changes in management and player personnel, showcased their potential on a continental stage. The atmosphere at Chase Stadium was electric, with fans witnessing a remarkable turnaround from the first leg, where Vancouver had already established a solid 2-0 lead.
Alphonso Davies, a former Whitecaps player now making waves in Europe, shared his excitement about the team’s performance via a Twitch stream, reacting to their first leg win. “Bro, that was too easy, why did it just roll across the box like this?” Davies said, highlighting the impressive form of his former club.
As the Whitecaps prepare for the Champions Cup final, they will carry with them the confidence built from their recent performances. They currently sit atop the MLS Western Conference, and their tactical discipline has proven effective against formidable opponents. “We rely on strong discipline and a strong structure, which helps the players in the positions they have,” Sørensen added after their recent matches.
However, the road to the final will not be without challenges. The Whitecaps will have to navigate the complexities of facing a star-studded Miami lineup, which includes not only Messi but also Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets. Even as Miami has struggled recently, their ability to score goals remains a potent threat.
Despite their current form, the Whitecaps are determined to finish the job and secure their place in history. “This club gave me a chance to live out my dream,” said Whitecaps midfielder Ali Ahmed. “Just to be playing in a Champions Cup semifinal, as a young Canadian, for a Canadian club, is something that will be a big milestone in my career and that I’ll cherish forever.”
With the final match approaching, anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the showdown between Vancouver and their yet-to-be-determined opponent. The Whitecaps’ journey through the Champions Cup has not only showcased their talent but also their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
As for Inter Miami, the defeat serves as a wake-up call, pushing them to reassess their strategies moving forward. With a roster full of talent, the team must regroup and learn from their recent performances to bounce back in the league and future competitions.
In the end, the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal was a pivotal moment for the Vancouver Whitecaps, solidifying their place as a competitive force in North American soccer. As they look ahead to the final, they carry the hopes of their fans and the pride of representing Canadian soccer on an international stage.
