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

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Vancouver Whitecaps will challenge Inter Miami in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals on Wednesday (April 30) at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, USA. However, as Lionel Messi missed the last MLS match against Dallas, it is a looming question among the fans whether Messi will participate in this match or not.

In the first leg, Inter Miami suffered a 2-0 defeat in Vancouver, with goals from Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter. Despite Messi playing the entire match, the team struggled to break through the Whitecaps' defence. However, in the second leg of the quarter-finals, Lionel Messi scored a brace against LAFC to clinch the tie for Miami. The Herons defeated Los Angeles FC with an aggregate scoreline of 3-2.

Messi has been central to Miami’s attack throughout the tournament, but following a minor adductor strain during Argentina’s World Cup Qualifier campaign, his fitness was a concern for a few weeks. Despite this setback, the Argentine legend still tops the Herons’ scoring chart this season, netting eight goals in all competitions. His impact in the Champions Cup quarter-finals proved crucial, as Messi guided Miami to a comeback by scoring two key goals from a trailing position and ensured their place in the semifinals.

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

In the last match of Inter Miami against Dallas in MLS, they lost the match 3-4 from a 3-1 leading position. But, the Herons had a heavily rotated squad as the key players like Messi, Suarez, and Busquets all were given rest for today's CONCACAF fixture. To advance to the final, Inter Miami must win by at least two goals to force extra time, as away goals do not count in this phase. Hence, it is expected that Miami head coach Javier Mascherano will field his strongest playing XI against the Whitecaps and obviously includes Messi.

Despite trailing by 2-0, Javier Mascherano has expressed confidence in his team's ability to overturn the deficit, drawing inspiration from Barcelona's historic comeback against PSG in 2017, a match in which Mascherano, Messi, Suarez and Busquets all participated and Alba experienced from the Barca bench. Mascherano said, “That night I learned that nothing is impossible…In football, anything can happen, absolutely everything.”
He also 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.” It is another indication that Mascherano will try his best to recreate a 'La Remontada’ in Florida, and Messi will surely be a part of it.

This semifinal clash holds great significance for Inter Miami—not just for a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup final for the first time, 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 Wednesday’s high-stakes CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal showdown.