Messi set for another first

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are set to take the next step in their quest for glory as they face Vancouver Whitecaps on Thursday in the first leg of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. The match, held at BC Place Stadium in British Columbia, marks a pivotal moment in both teams’ campaigns, but also presents an intriguing personal milestone for the Argentine icon.

Remarkably, this will be Messi’s first-ever meeting with Vancouver Whitecaps, adding another layer of anticipation to the clash. In addition, the former Ballon d’Or winner is yet to score a goal on Canadian soil. Despite visits to Toronto FC and CF Montréal since his move to Major League Soccer, the net has eluded him north of the border.

Limited history, but Miami have the edge

The overall history between Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami is minimal. These two clubs have only faced each other once, in May 2024, when Inter Miami traveled to Vancouver and secured a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor.

However, Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets were absent for that trip, rested due to travel demands and fixture congestion. The trio returned to action just days later at home against Atlanta United. This time, with a spot in the Champions Cup final on the line, Messi and company are expected to feature prominently, bringing their star power to a stage where they’ll need to perform at their peak.

First step in a 180-minute battle

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has acknowledged the weight of the occasion but reminded everyone that the tie is a full 180-minute contest. Speaking ahead of the game, Mascherano said: “We know it’s a 180-minute game, and this first leg is just the beginning.” With the return fixture set for Fort Lauderdale, the focus is on securing a solid result away from home.

East meets West in rare showdown

Part of what makes this encounter rare is the geographical and conference divide between the two teams. Inter Miami compete in the MLS Eastern Conference, while Vancouver Whitecaps represent the Western Conference, meaning regular-season meetings are limited. Aside from league play, the only other avenue for a matchup would be the MLS Cup or this continental competition.

This distance also adds to the logistical challenge. The trip from Miami to Vancouver spans about 2,810 miles, underlining the scale of this semifinal clash. For Inter Miami, the long journey north could be a test of endurance. The return leg will offer Vancouver a reprieve, as they head to Minnesota United for MLS play before traveling to Florida.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.