Vancouver vs Inter Miami: Will Lionel Messi Play in Today’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Clash?

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Vancouver Whitecaps will welcome Inter Miami for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals on Thursday (April 24) at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. However, there remains significant uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s involvement in the encounter.

To reach the semi-finals, the Herons overcame Los Angeles FC with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. In the second leg of the quarters, Lionel Messi netted twice to clinch the tie for Miami. Inter Miami currently occupy fourth place in the MLS standings, while Thursday’s opponent the Whitecaps sit atop the table.

Messi has played a pivotal role in Miami’s attack throughout the competition, but his fitness has been a concern for the past two months, especially after he sustained a slight adductor strain that sidelined him from Argentina’s matches in March.

Despite these setbacks, the Argentine icon still leads the Herons in goals this season, with eight strikes across all competitions. His influence in the Champions Cup quarterfinals was vital. With Miami trailing LAFC, Messi sparked a comeback with two crucial goals, securing a semifinal berth. His knack for producing under pressure continues to define his presence in MLS and worldwide.

Vancouver vs Inter Miami: Is Messi Set to Play in Today’s Match Against the Whitecaps?

Fans were left disappointed when Messi skipped Miami’s visit to Vancouver last year during the MLS regular season. But on Tuesday, Inter Miami shared a photo on Instagram showing Messi boarding a flight, captioned, “Next Stop: Vancouver.” Recent reports confirm that the Argentine star has travelled with the team, raising hopes among supporters excited to watch him on Canadian turf. This marks Messi’s debut appearance against the Whitecaps.

Nevertheless, Whitecaps manager Jesper Sorensen refused to place added weight on Messi’s expected presence in Inter Miami’s lineup. He stated, “Lionel Messi, for the past 20 years, has been maybe the best player all time in this sport, and he deserves the praise he gets.” Sorensen further added, “I also would say tomorrow it’s not going to be the Vancouver Whitecaps against Lionel Messi. It’s going to be Miami against Vancouver.”

Although the 37-year-old Argentine has featured in several of Miami’s recent matches and is likely to play in today’s game, he has logged 90 minutes in five consecutive matches, a demanding workload considering his age and recent recovery from injury.

This semifinal clash holds great significance for Inter Miami, not just for a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, but also to qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. With Messi involved, Miami supporters will feel optimistic about their side’s chances.

Therefore, fans can anticipate Lionel Messi taking the field against Vancouver Whitecaps in Thursday’s high-stakes CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal showdown.