Messi CAGED as Vancouver Whitecaps Beat Inter Miami 2-0
Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes in front of a record crowd of 53,837 fans at BC Place Stadium, but it wasn’t enough to stop Inter Miami from losing 2-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of their semi-final clash.
Brian White scored in the 25th minute with a header from Pedro Vite’s cross, sending the home fans into loud celebration. Sebastian Berhalter added a second goal in the 84th minute, giving the Canadian team a strong lead ahead of the second leg. With the away goal rule in play, Vancouver now have a big advantage going into the return match.
The second leg will be played on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The winner will reach the final on June 1, where they will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the match: “We have nothing to lose. We must win and score at least two goals. The pressure is on Vancouver now to defend their lead.”
Fans came out in large numbers to see Messi, and they weren’t disappointed as the Argentine legend started the match and stayed on the pitch until the end. He was joined by other big names including Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba.
Despite Miami’s star-studded line-up, it was Vancouver who took their chances well. Mascherano still believes his team can turn things around. “I still believe in this team,” he said. “We will play a good game in Miami and try to come back.”
