Lionel Messi, Inter Miami were defeated. In a stunning upset at Chase Stadium on April 30, the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Inter Miami 3-1. The win secured a 5-1 aggregate victory, eliminating the team led by Lionel Messi and sending Vancouver to the final.
A Disheartened Messi Amid Team Collapse
Defeated, Lionel Messi stood in the middle of the pitch, hands on his hips, his expression blank. Around him, teammates exchanged confused glances, unsure of what had just unfolded. The crushing disappointment radiated through a squad that once brimmed with promise but now confronted the harsh reality of elimination.
Inter Miami had few answers as Vancouver took control. Brian White and Pedro Vite scored less than two minutes apart early in the second half. Sebastian Berhalter, who had already assisted twice, added a third goal in the 71st minute to seal the win.
Vancouver Marches ForwardVancouver has proven to be a force this season.
Now leading the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings with 23 points, they will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL in the final on June 1. The Mexican clubs are set to conclude their semifinal, currently tied 1,1, on May 1.
Jesper Sorensen, the Whitecaps’ head coach, deserves much of the credit. His tactical approach outclassed that of Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano across both legs. Vancouver showed composure, consistency, and attacking sharpness that Inter Miami simply could not match.
A Low Point in the Messi Era
For Inter Miami, this defeat may be the most disappointing since Messi joined the club in July 2023. It also marks the first time the team has suffered three consecutive losses across all competitions under Messi’s leadership.
Messi, now 37, showed flashes of brilliance by assisting Jordi Alba’s early goal in the 9th minute, but it wasn’t enough. He has now gone four straight games without finding the back of the net, a rare dry spell for the Argentine legend.
Tactical Shortcomings and Squad Decisions
Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi, Alba, Busquets, and Suarez during their time at Barcelona, appeared to be out of ideas. He used the same starting lineup as in the first leg and chose not to utilize younger talents like Yannick Bright or Benjamin Cremaschi. This proved costly, as Inter Miami was once again overwhelmed at the start of the second half.
A Season at Risk
The Concacaf Champions Cup was one of five major trophies Inter Miami aimed to win in 2025. With that now out of reach, their remaining hopes lie in the Club World Cup, Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and MLS Cup Playoffs.
However, the team’s recent performances raise doubts about their ability to compete at the highest level in the remaining tournaments.
Despite having some of the greatest footballers of the modern era, Inter Miami showed they are vulnerable and perhaps past their peak.
Vancouver’s Statement Victory
Final Score: Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Inter Miami 1
Aggregate Score: Vancouver advances 5–1 on aggregate
Steven Berhalter capped off a remarkable performance by scoring in the 71st minute after contributing assists earlier in the match. It was a comprehensive victory for Vancouver, who dominated the two-legged tie and now look like serious contenders to lift the Champions Cup on June 1.
