Milestone-man Lionel Messi shatters another big record in Inter Miami’s clash against Vancouver Whitecaps

Lionel Messi's electrifying presence continues to reshape the landscape of North American soccer, and his latest appearance in Vancouver was no exception. During Inter Miami’s highly anticipated visit to BC Place for the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal, the Argentine superstar helped draw a record-setting crowd, once again proving his unmatched star power.

Inter Miami and Vancouver make history in CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinal

In a groundbreaking CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal, Inter Miami traveled north for the first leg against the Vancouver Whitecaps. It was the first-ever semifinal clash between a Canadian and American club in the competition’s history. Anticipation was sky-high ahead of the match, and fans delivered in full force.

The Whitecaps had already announced a sold-out crowd leading up to the fixture. By the end of the night, the club confirmed an astonishing attendance of 53,837 spectators, the highest in the team’s Major League Soccer (MLS) era, which dates back to 1993.

A night to remember. A new #VWFC MLS-era home record at our sold-out Champions Cup match. Thank you, Vancouver! posted the official Vancouver Whitecaps account on X.

This figure surpasses the stadium’s previous MLS-era attendance record of 51,035, also set during an Inter Miami visit on May 25, 2024. Messi’s impact on stadium turnouts continues to be undeniable.

Three matches, three records for Messi’s Inter Miami

This is the third consecutive away match where Messi’s presence has driven record-breaking attendance for Inter Miami. The streak began at Chicago’s Soldier Field, where 62,358 fans packed the stands, followed by 60,614 at Columbus Crew’s Huntington Bank Stadium. Now, Vancouver joins the list of cities where Messi has left a lasting mark.

Was this BC Place’s biggest crowd ever?

While the 53,837 fans mark a club record for the Whitecaps in the MLS era, it is not the all-time attendance record for BC Place. That title still belongs to a match held on June 20, 1983, when the original Vancouver Whitecaps played the Seattle Sounders in front of 60,342 fans, the first major sporting event hosted at the stadium.

Still, Messi’s presence continues to create unforgettable moments, drawing in fans and setting records wherever he plays.