Overview
- The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Inter Miami 2-0 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal at a sold-out BC Place, setting a club MLS-era attendance record of 53,837.
- Brian White opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a well-timed header, and Sebastian Berhalter sealed the win in the 85th minute with a powerful finish from a counterattack.
- Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes for Inter Miami but was largely neutralized by Vancouver's defensive strategy, limiting his impact to long-range attempts and set pieces.
- Inter Miami now faces a two-goal deficit heading into the second leg on May 1 in Fort Lauderdale, needing to win by at least two goals to force extra time.
- The winner of this semifinal will advance to the June 1 final to face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL, with a regional championship and a FIFA Club World Cup berth at stake.