Inter Miami are set to host Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals. A major talking point leading into the match is whether Lionel Messi will return to action, after missing the club’s recent MLS fixture against FC Dallas.
Inter Miami's first-leg setback
In the first leg played in Vancouver, Inter Miami fell to a 2-0 defeat, with goals from Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter sealing the win for the Whitecaps.
Despite Messi featuring for the entire match, Miami struggled to penetrate the Whitecaps’ disciplined backline. The Herons now face a steep challenge in overturning the two-goal deficit on home turf.
Lionel Messi’s importance and fitness concerns
Messi’s influence throughout the Champions Cup campaign has been undeniable. In the quarter-finals, he led the charge with a brace against LAFC to complete a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Even with a minor adductor strain picked up during Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to shine, leading Miami’s scoring charts with eight goals across all competitions.
Although he was rested for the Dallas game alongside fellow stars Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, Messi is widely expected to return for Wednesday’s high-stakes encounter.
Tactical approach and coach’s confidence
Miami's 3-4 loss to Dallas, despite initially leading 3-1, highlighted the impact of a rotated squad. Head coach Javier Mascherano is now expected to field his strongest starting XI against Vancouver featuring Messi at the heart of the attack.
Mascherano remains optimistic about a comeback. Recalling Barcelona’s legendary 2017 "La Remontada" against PSG, in which he and several current Miami players were involved, he stated:
That night I learned that nothing is impossible… In football, anything can happen, absolutely everything.
He added,
I can transmit [those memories] as a coach, but I had at that time four teammates who shared that with me and lived it firsthand. I think that they, better than anyone, can transmit it to the rest.
Stakes higher than ever
Victory on Wednesday would not only secure Inter Miami’s first-ever spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, but also pave the way for qualification to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and 2025 Intercontinental Cup. With Messi likely returning, fans can expect a spirited and high-intensity showdown in Fort Lauderdale.