Lionel Messi’s aspiration to secure Inter Miami’s inaugural CONCACAF Champions Cup title came to a halt on Wednesday as the Vancouver Whitecaps advanced to the final with a 3-1 victory in South Florida, giving them a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate win.
The Whitecaps are set to face the winner of Thursday’s other semi-final clash between Mexican teams Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL, which remains tied at 1-1 ahead of the return leg.
After trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Miami made an impressive start in their bid for a comeback, with former Spain international Jordi Alba opening the scoring in just the ninth minute.
Messi, operating from midfield, threaded a precise pass to Luis Suarez, who found Alba on the left. Alba’s low strike managed to sneak past Japanese goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka at his near post.
Instead of sitting back to defend their slender lead, Vancouver opted to press forward, recognising that an away goal could be pivotal.
Following some fine play from American forward Brian White, Emmanuel Sabbi nearly found the net, striking the outside of the post with a low shot.
White and Pedro Vite both tested Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, as Vancouver’s dynamic approach easily penetrated the home defence.
Under the guidance of Dane Jesper Sorensen, the Whitecaps displayed quickness and intelligence that left Miami’s sluggish backline and overworked midfield in disarray.
A half-chance for Messi, which he sent high and wide, was the best effort the Argentine produced in the first 45 minutes, while his fellow countryman Tadeo Allende failed to capitalise on his opportunities.
Vancouver maintained their attacking intent after the interval and were rewarded just six minutes into the second half when, following a well-executed build-up, Sebastian Berhalter retrieved the ball from the byline and laid it back for White, who scored by placing it into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, the Whitecaps struck the decisive blow; after a break down the left flank, the impressive Berhalter set up Vite, whose shot took a slight deflection off Albi and nestled into the top corner, extending the lead to 2-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
The situation worsened for Miami when Berhalter, son of former USA national team coach Gregg, capitalised on a loose ball following a blocked shot from White, with his deflected strike finding the back of the net.
Messi did have a couple of late attempts, but by that stage, the match was effectively settled, with his ageing team unable to match a side that now aims to become the first Canadian team to clinch the trophy.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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