Whitecaps Eliminate Messi's Inter Miami in Champions Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup after a decisive 3-1 home defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps, resulting in a 5-1 aggregate loss. Despite an early goal from Jordi Alba, Miami's comeback hopes faded as Vancouver dominated the second half with goals from Brian White, Pedro Vite, and Sebastian Berhalter. The Whitecaps' energetic and organized play outclassed Miami's star-studded but sluggish lineup, dashing Messi's dream of leading Miami to its first continental title. Vancouver, who had been underestimated before the season, now advances to their first Champions Cup final, where they will face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL. The victory marks a historic achievement for Vancouver, putting them on the brink of becoming the first Canadian team to win the competition, and earns them a spot in the expanded Club World Cup. Key Whitecaps player Berhalter, influential throughout the semifinals, will miss the final due to yellow card accumulation.