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Vancouver Whitecaps Shock Inter Miami, Eliminate Messi from Concacaf Champions Cup
In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the soccer world, the Vancouver Whitecaps eliminated Lionel Messi and Inter Miami from the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. The Canadian side secured a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory after a thrilling 3-1 win in the second leg, played in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This victory marks a historic moment for the Whitecaps, making them the first team to ever defeat a Lionel Messi-led team in two consecutive matches.
A Second-Leg Thriller
Inter Miami, facing a 2-0 deficit from the first leg, started strong. Jordi Alba's ninth-minute goal, assisted by Messi and Luis Suarez, briefly ignited hopes of a comeback. However, Vancouver's response was swift and decisive. Brian White and Pedro Vite scored within two minutes of each other in the second half, erasing Miami's lead and turning the tide. Sebastian Berhalter, instrumental in all five of Vancouver's goals across both legs, added a third to seal the victory, though he will miss the final due to yellow card accumulation.
Messi's Silent Night and Miami's Struggles
Despite Messi's presence and several promising opportunities for Inter Miami, the Argentine superstar was unable to find the back of the net for the fourth consecutive match. Suarez also struggled, failing to convert several chances. This loss marks Miami's third straight defeat, their longest losing streak since Messi's arrival last year. The Whitecaps' superior speed, tactical awareness, and relentless pressure ultimately proved too much for Inter Miami to overcome.
Whitecaps' Historic Achievement
Vancouver's triumph is monumental. They not only secured a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup final but also etched their names in history as the first Canadian club to reach this stage of the competition. Their coach, Jesper Sorensen, praised his team's performance, highlighting their resilience and the years of hard work that culminated in this victory. The Whitecaps will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL in the final on June 1st.
Looking Ahead
While Inter Miami's Concacaf Champions Cup journey ended prematurely, their focus shifts to the MLS Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. For the Vancouver Whitecaps, the celebratory mood is tempered by the knowledge that their hard-fought victory and historic run in the tournament is far from over.
