Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were at risk of going out after losing the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semi-final. They were down 2-0 but still had hope with the second match being played at home. However, Messi and Suarez couldn’t turn things around. Instead, they lost again, this time 3-1. With that result, Javier Mascherano’s Miami team was knocked out of the semi-finals by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Inter Miami played against Vancouver at Chase Stadium in Florida. Jordi Alba gave Miami an early lead in the 9th minute. But after that, Vancouver took control and scored three goals. Even though both teams had a chance to reach the final for the first time, Miami ended the match with disappointment.
Coach Mascherano started stars like Messi and Suarez and kept them on the field the entire game. Still, they couldn’t make use of their chances. Although Alba’s goal gave Miami hope early on, the team couldn’t hold on. At halftime, Miami was still ahead.
But Vancouver equalized just six minutes into the second half, with Brian White scoring. Moments later, Pedro Vete made it 2-1. Miami failed to recover, and Sebastian Berhalter scored Vancouver’s third goal in the 71st minute, sealing Miami’s defeat.
After being knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Messi’s Inter Miami will now turn their full attention to Major League Soccer (MLS). The Florida-based team is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with 18 points from nine games. Last season, Miami won the Supporters’ Shield by earning the highest number of points. Their next MLS game is on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.
Looking ahead, the Club World Cup will take place in the U.S. during June and July. Inter Miami has qualified from MLS and will compete in Group A alongside Palmeiras, Al-Ahly, and Porto. Their first match is on June 23 against Brazilian side Palmeiras. If they advance past the group stage, Messi and Suarez may face familiar European opponents later in the tournament.
