A tough defeat in Vancouver has Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on the verge of elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup 2025. The team coached by Javier Mascherano was defeated 2-0 by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the quarterfinals, leaving a complicated outlook for the second leg in Florida.
Despite the expectations placed on Messi’s first visit to Canada, the Argentine star failed to make a difference against an opponent that was forceful, organized and very effective. Goals from Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter put Inter Miami on the ropes, a team that was disorganized in defense and lacked offensive clarity.
They take advantage of every mistake
From the start, the Whitecaps proved that their good season in MLS is no fluke.
Despite the cold weather (52°F), BC Place was buzzing with a dominant performance from the Canadian side.
The first goal came after a precise cross from Pedro Vite that Brian White headed past Óscar Ustari in the 32nd minute.
The Argentine star failed to make a difference
QueOnnda.com
The goal was a reflection of Mascherano’s team’s defensive problems, especially on the flanks, where Édier Ocampo was constantly outplayed.
Inter Miami tried to react with Messi’s participation but he was erratic, something unusual for him.
His body language reflected frustration, while the team was unable to find a way to the opponent’s goal.
Can be lethal
Buzzy
In the second half, Inter Miami and Messi’s objective was to score away goals to keep their hopes alive.
But goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka was in the spotlight, saving every attempt with confidence.
Just when it looked like the game would end 1-0, Sebastian Berhalter – son of former coach Gregg Berhalter – popped up to score the second goal in the 85th minute.
A cross-shot inside the box settled the score.
Inter Miami now needs to win by at least two goals in the second leg to force overtime, or by three to advance directly.
With a tight schedule in MLS and a team that is still not convincing on defense, the mission will be far from easy.
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