The Vancouver Whitecaps delivered a major upset in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, defeating Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF 2-0 on Thursday night at BC Place Stadium in front of a record crowd.
Brian White, Sebastian Berhalter Propel Whitecaps
Brian White opened the scoring in the 25th minute, heading in a cross from Pedro Vite to ignite the home crowd.
Sebastian Berhalter sealed the win in the 84th minute, finishing off a clinical move to hand Vancouver a commanding advantage heading into the second leg.
With the away goals rule in effect, the Whitecaps are firmly in control as the series shifts to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale next Wednesday.
Miami’s Star Attack Falters
Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes, joined by Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba, but Inter Miami struggled to break down Vancouver’s compact defensive block.
Despite their possession, Miami managed just two shots on target all night.
Coach Javier Mascherano remained defiant postgame:
“We have nothing to lose. We have to win the game, we have to score two goals. The pressure is on Vancouver now to keep the result.”
What’s at Stake in the Second Leg
The return leg takes place next Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale.
The winner will advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final on June 1 to face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL.
Mascherano expressed confidence that his team can respond:
“I still believe in this team and I know that we are going to find a way to play a good game in Miami and try to come back.”
