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Lionel Messi was left visibly frustrated as Inter Miami suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal. The match took place at BC Place Stadium on Thursday, April 24, 2025 (Friday morning WIB), with the Canadian hosts delivering a clinical performance despite Miami’s heavy dominance in possession.
Inter Miami controlled much of the match, recording 71% ball possession in the first half. However, the Whitecaps proved far more efficient in front of goal. The opening score came in the 24th minute when Brian White capitalized on a right-side cross, heading the ball past the goalkeeper to give Vancouver a 1-0 lead.
Despite constant pressure from Messi and his teammates, Inter Miami struggled to find the back of the net. Messi had a golden opportunity from a free kick in the second half, but his shot was safely collected by the Vancouver goalkeeper.
Inter Miami continued to mount attacks in search of an equalizer, but Vancouver’s defense remained impenetrable. Then, in the 85th minute, the Whitecaps doubled their lead. Sebastian Berhalter latched onto a low cross played into Miami’s penalty box and fired a powerful right-footed strike that left no chance for the keeper.
That goal sealed Inter Miami’s defeat, with the final whistle confirming a 2-0 win for the Whitecaps. The match statistics revealed that Miami had 10 total shot attempts, but only two were on target—highlighting the home side’s defensive discipline and Miami’s lack of clinical finishing.
Now, Messi and Inter Miami face a significant challenge heading into the second leg. They will need to overcome a two-goal deficit to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final.
