Lionel Messi and Inter Miami continue their quest for their first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup title tonight, facing the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the semifinals. With the stakes high, fans are eager to know if the Argentine captain will start in this critical showdown.
The Argentine star has been gradually reintegrating into Inter Miami’s lineup after recovering from a muscle injury that sidelined him for international and club matches. Given his recent return to consistent play, Lionel Messi will feature in the starting XI against Vancouver.
In the pre-match press conference, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was tight-lipped about Messi’s status. “I don’t discuss availability before a match,” Mascherano stated. However, Messi traveled with the team to Canada, a strong indication that the Argentine captain is ready to lead his side.
Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen acknowledged Messi’s greatness but emphasized that his team is focused on the collective challenge Inter Miami presents. “Lionel Messi has arguably been the best player in the world over the past two decades, and he deserves all the accolades he receives,” Sorensen remarked. “That said, this isn’t Vancouver Whitecaps versus Lionel Messi. It’s Vancouver versus Miami”.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami moves the ball down field during the second half against the Columbus Crew at Huntington Bank Field. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Inter Miami’s possible lineup
Inter Miami will be without Robert Taylor, recently traded to Austin FC, but otherwise boast a full-strength squad. Javier Mascherano’s team will be as follows:
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Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Maxi Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Tadeo Allende; Telasco Segovia, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Messi’s positive record in Canada
Messi has a perfect record in Canada since joining Inter Miami, having won both of his previous matches north of the border. The first was a 3-2 victory over CF Montreal on May 11, 2024, where Messi played the full match but didn’t score.
The second was a 1-0 win against Toronto FC on October 5, 2024, where Messi came on as a substitute. Across those two games, Messi has logged 151 minutes in Canada, though he has yet to score or assist in those appearances.
