Breaking News: Soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at home in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, stunningly upstaged by USMNT hopeful Brian White and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Upset Awaits?: Whitecaps Buzzing Against Inter Miami, and Messi, in Champions CupSemifinal
Did you know? The Champions CupSemifinal is shaping up to be the David vs. Goliath story of CONCACAF, with Miami’s heavy artillery led by Barcelona legend Lionel Messi facing Vancouver’s underdogs. Here’s what you need to know heading into Leg 1.
Messi magic or Whitecaps’ wonder?
Goal ranked Inter Miami players after their dazzling yet disappointing 3-1 defeat to Vancouver. Messi scored their only goal but was far from his best (6.5/10). His usual magic was met with Vancouver’s resilient defense led by Ranko Veselinovic (8.5/10), giving fans a nail-biting upset.
So, how do you watch, Canada?
SportingNews has you covered. Leg 1 kicks off at 9:30 PM ET in Canada. Don’t miss Vancouver’s chance for another historic result:
- Streaming: OneSoccer – stream here
- TV: TSN1/TSN4 in Canada
Pro tips: Set reminders, invite fellow fans, and prepare your half-time snacks! 🍫🤩
Predicted lineups: Mind the gaps
OneFootball‘s predicted lineup sees Inter Miami with plenty of firepower and Vancouver fielding a sturdy defense. Check out their likely starting XIs:
- Miami: Reiner – Yedlin, Zimmerman, Cho, Greguš – Matondo, Gregore, Campanas, Gómez, Messi – Miller
- Whitecaps:crete – Brown, Veselinovic, Trusty, Nerwinski – Gutierrez, Teipert, Rainey, Gaich – White, Cavallini
Messi vs Whitecaps: Battle of the beast and the neophyte
OneFootball‘s feature outlines Vancouver’s David to Miami’s Goliath. Despite Vancouver’s uncertain future, interim manager Vanni Sartini has transformed them into one of the surprise packages of CONCACAF. White’s goal was hailed as their "biggest moment" of the season – can they create another shock? 😏🦁
Faq
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Can Vancouver reach another final?
Yes! They need two more wins over Miami and have proven they’re capable of creating upsets, like their playoff win against Cruz Azul. - Messi’s Champions League experience could be a hindrance?
Surprisingly, yes. Heavy expectations and criticism can weigh Messi down. Fans hope his next performance is leaps ahead from his first meeting with Vancouver. 🌴🕵️♂️
Final Prediction: A Cinderella tale in the works?
This leg could go down to the wire. While we expect Messi’s magic to take center stage (again), this Vancouver side proves they’re capable of making fairy tales their reality. Fasten your seats, folks, it’s time for a spectacle! 🧙♂️🌟