Lionel Messi Can't Save Inter Miami from CONCACAF Champions Cup Exit
Inter Miami have been eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup following a heavy 1-3 home defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps, resulting in a 1-5 loss on aggregate.
Lionel Messi started the match and helped set the tone early. In the 8th minute, Jordi Alba finished off a clever assist from Luis Suárez to open the scoring for the hosts, cutting the deficit to just one goal and igniting hopes of a comeback in Florida.
However, the momentum quickly shifted in the second half. Two quick-fire goals from the Canadian visitors turned the tie upside down, leaving Inter Miami needing four unanswered goals to progress. Instead, it was Vancouver Whitecaps who struck again, completing a stunning and historic night.
History Made for Canadian Football
This marks the Whitecaps' first-ever qualification for a continental final, a landmark moment for the club and a major milestone for Canadian football as a whole.
They will now face either Tigres or Cruz Azul—two of Mexico's most decorated clubs—in the final. The second leg of that semi-final will take place on Thursday following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.