Live Updates, Highlights & Final Score – Messi Struggles in Champions Cup

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Faces Crushing Defeat in Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a high-stakes Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal clash, Inter Miami, led by global superstar Lionel Messi, faced off against Vancouver Whitecaps in what was expected to be a nail-biting contest. Unfortunately for Messi fans and Miami supporters, the match quickly turned into a one-sided affair, with Vancouver asserting dominance and booking their place in the final.

Is Messi Playing Today? Inter Miami Lineup Against Vancouver

There was early speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s availability for the match, but fans were relieved when Messi posted his signature gameday Instagram story—a clear signal he would feature in the game. True to form, the Argentine icon started for Inter Miami, joined by former FC Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, under the leadership of coach Javier Mascherano.

Confirmed Lineups for Inter Miami vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Inter Miami: Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Alba, Redondo
Vancouver Whitecaps: Berhalter, White, Vite, Blackmon, Crepeau

Inter Miami Needed a Historic Comeback

Entering the match trailing 2-0 on aggregate, Inter Miami required a minimum of two goals to force extra time, or three goals to win outright, provided they could shut out the high-flying Vancouver offense. The pressure was intense, but Coach Javier Mascherano welcomed it.

“If there is something we like, it is to play with this kind of pressure. It gives the game meaning,” Mascherano said.

Jordi Alba Scores Early – Inter Miami Takes 1-0 Lead (2-1 on Aggregate)

The breakthrough came just nine minutes into the match. Jordi Alba scored his first goal of the season with a brilliant finish, cutting Vancouver’s aggregate lead in half. The early goal injected life into the stadium and gave Miami hope.

SEO Title: Jordi Alba Scores First Goal of the Season in Inter Miami’s Comeback Attempt

From Messi to Suárez to Alba, the build-up was reminiscent of vintage Barcelona. For a brief moment, fans dared to believe in a miracle.

Yellow Card Drama: Berhalter and Redondo Suspended for the Final

Before halftime, the match saw tensions rise as Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver) and Federico Redondo (Inter Miami) received yellow cards. Due to card accumulation, both players will miss the Concacaf Champions Cup Final on June 1, if their teams qualify.

SEO Title: Yellow Cards Suspend Key Players for Concacaf Champions Cup Final 2025

Their absence could have major implications for the final, particularly for Vancouver, who relies heavily on Berhalter’s midfield presence.

Brian White Scores Equalizer – Vancouver Ties Game, Leads 3-1 on Aggregate

In the 51st minute, Vancouver’s Brian White silenced the crowd with a clinical finish, assisted by none other than Sebastian Berhalter. While the match was now tied 1-1, Vancouver extended their lead to 3-1 on aggregate, putting Inter Miami in a desperate position.

SEO Title: Brian White’s Goal Cripples Inter Miami’s Comeback Hopes

White’s strike marked his 11th goal in 16 matches, highlighting his red-hot form this season.

Pedro Vite Scores Again – Vancouver Leads 2-1 (4-1 Aggregate)

Just two minutes later, Vancouver struck again. This time it was Pedro Vite who found the net in the 53rd minute, delivering a brutal blow to Inter Miami’s ambitions.

SEO Title: Pedro Vite Scores as Vancouver Takes Dominant Lead Over Inter Miami

With the aggregate score at 4-1, even Messi’s brilliance seemed insufficient to turn the tide.

Steven Berhalter’s Second Goal Seals the Deal: Vancouver 3, Inter Miami 1 (5-1 Aggregate)

By the 71st minute, Vancouver had completely dismantled Inter Miami. Steven Berhalter scored again, cementing a night of dominance with his second goal of the tie. Berhalter’s performance—2 goals and 2 assists over both legs—was a defining factor in Vancouver’s advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final.

SEO Title: Steven Berhalter Leads Vancouver to Champions Cup Final with Stellar Performance

It’s no stretch to say Berhalter was the man of the match, dismantling Miami’s midfield and attacking rhythm.

Vancouver Whitecaps Advance to Concacaf Champions Cup Final 2025

With a 5-1 aggregate score, Vancouver Whitecaps advance to the Champions Cup Final on June 1. Their fast-paced attack, tactical discipline, and sharp finishing proved too much for an Inter Miami side that looked uncharacteristically disjointed, despite the star power on display.

SEO Title: Vancouver Whitecaps Advance to 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final After Beating Messi’s Inter Miami

Coach Vanni Sartini praised his players’ focus and execution, particularly in nullifying Messi’s influence.

What’s Next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami?

After this defeat, questions loom about Inter Miami’s future in international competitions. While they remain contenders in MLS, this elimination is a major setback. Lionel Messi, despite some promising moments, was unable to inspire the comeback many had hoped for.

SEO Title: What’s Next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami After Champions Cup Exit?

Fans will now turn their attention to MLS, where Miami will aim to regroup and refocus.

Concacaf Champions Cup Final 2025: Who Will Vancouver Face?

Vancouver’s opponent in the final is yet to be determined. Eyes now shift to the other semifinal match to find out who will challenge the Whitecaps on June 1.

SEO Title: Who Will Vancouver Play in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final?

Regardless of the opponent, Vancouver will enter the final as favorites, thanks to their tactical cohesion and goal-scoring prowess.

How to Watch Inter Miami vs Vancouver – Match Recap

Match Date: April 28, 2025
Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
TV Channels: FS1 (English), TUDN/ViX (Spanish)
Final Score: Vancouver 3, Inter Miami 1 (5-1 aggregate)