Thu May 01 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Whitecaps Stun Messi’s Inter Miami, Advance to Concacaf Champions Cup Final
**Miami, FL –** The Vancouver Whitecaps FC have pulled off a major upset, eliminating Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF from the Concacaf Champions Cup with a thrilling 3-1 victory in the second leg of their semifinal clash. The 5-1 aggregate win sends the Whitecaps to the final, defying the historical odds against teams overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit at this stage of the competition.
Inter Miami, needing a three-goal victory, started brightly with Jordi Alba netting his first goal of the season just nine minutes in. However, Vancouver swiftly turned the tide in the second half. Brian White equalized in the 51st minute, followed two minutes later by Pedro Vite’s deflected goal, erasing Miami’s lead. Sebastian Berhalter, who had a hand in the first two goals, sealed the victory with a strike in the 71st minute. Berhalter, despite his crucial contributions (all five Whitecaps goals in the semifinals), will miss the final due to yellow card accumulation.
Despite several chances, Miami failed to capitalize on their early advantage, leaving Messi goalless for the fourth consecutive match. The loss marks Inter Miami’s third straight defeat, their longest losing streak since Messi’s arrival.
Vancouver, currently leading the MLS Supporters’ Shield race with 23 points from 10 games, will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UNAL in the Concacaf Champions Cup final on June 1st. Herculez Gomez, whose comments preceded the match, was unable to prevent the stunning upset.
First Piper 