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Messi one leg out of Champions Cup after Vancouver shock Inter Miami

April 24th 2025: Jayden Nelson (7 Vancouver Whitecaps FC) steals the ball from Lionel Messi (10 Inter Miami CF) during the Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals match between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Inter Miami CF . (Amy Elle SPP)
Jayden Nelson steals the ball from Lionel Messi during the Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals match between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Inter Miami CF . (Amy Elle SPP)
Lionel Messi was nullified as Vancouver's perfect game plan worked in a 2-0 triumph over Inter Miami.
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Inter Miami are one of the favourites to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season; however, they could be heading out of the competition after they were beaten by Vancouver. 

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The Canadian side defeated the Herons 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions Cup clash to take a huge advantage into the second leg in Miami.

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Key match details 

Vancouver's counter-attacking strategy proved effective against Inter Miami's possession-based approach. The Whitecaps ceded control, waiting for opportunities to strike, and Brian White capitalised on a perfectly weighted pass from Sebastian Berhalter to score the opening goal.

Inter Miami's star-studded attack struggled to create clear chances, with Lionel Messi forced into difficult positions and long-range shots. Vancouver's goalkeeper, Yohei Takaoka, made impressive saves to deny Messi and preserve his team's lead.

The match was sealed late on when Berhalter scored a spectacular goal, a cherry on the proverbial cake.

Despite the defeat, however, Inter Miami cannot be ruled out, as they also came from behind after going two goals down at a point in the previous round against LAFC to win the tie thanks to some Messi magic. 

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Martins, 40, is of the same generation as the duo. He played as a forward for top teams across multiple leagues, hence, the former Super Eagles star values variety, and this is factored into his choice.

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