The Vancouver Whitecaps delivered a commanding performance against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, securing a 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal on April 24. The match, played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 53,837 at BC Place, saw the Whitecaps take a significant step toward the final.
Two Americans made the difference for the Whitecaps. Striker Brian White extended his impressive scoring streak with a 24th-minute goal, his 10th in 15 matches across all competitions this season. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, son of former U.S. men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter, sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike.
Vancouver’s disciplined defense stifled Messi, who managed only two of his four shots on target, both comfortably saved by goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. The Argentine superstar was frequently booed by the home crowd, possibly in response to his absence during last year’s regular-season meeting between the two teams.
Inter Miami Struggles Continue
Inter Miami, missing key players due to injuries, struggled to break through Vancouver’s backline. Messi, now goalless in his last three matches, will need a strong performance in the second leg on April 30 in Fort Lauderdale to keep Miami’s Champions Cup hopes alive.
The Whitecaps, currently leading the MLS Supporters’ Shield race with 20 points, showcased why they’re among the league’s best. Meanwhile, Inter Miami sits behind Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference.
Before the decisive second leg, Inter Miami will host FC Dallas on April 27, while Vancouver prepares to defend their aggregate lead.
“We got one more game. We can’t get ahead of ourselves,” Sebastian Berhalter cautioned after the match. But with their current form, the Whitecaps are firmly in control of their continental destiny.
Vancouver Whitecaps Dominate Inter Miami 2-0 in Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal First Leg
