Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Messi Arrives in Vancouver Ahead of Sold-Out Champions Cup Semifinal

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi trains with the team, but his participation in the high-stakes first leg remains unconfirmed.

Vancouver Whitecaps v Inter Miami CF - CONCACAF Champions Cup
Sebastian Berhalter celebrates after his goal in the Vancouver Whitecaps' 2-0 win over Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final, first-leg on Thursday.
Fans climb trees and press into hedges in hopes of catching a glimpse of Lionel Messi training at UBC on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Image

Overview

  • Lionel Messi landed in Vancouver and practiced with Inter Miami ahead of the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal against the Whitecaps.
  • Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has not confirmed Messi's availability, leaving fans and analysts in suspense ahead of the match.
  • Thursday's game at BC Place is sold out, with over 54,000 fans expected, setting a new attendance record for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
  • Tickets for the match are being resold at high prices, reflecting the excitement surrounding Messi's potential appearance.
  • The away goals rule, which counts goals scored on the road as double in tiebreakers, adds strategic importance to Messi possibly playing in Vancouver.