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A few from the Canadian crowd were even spotted waving Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey to taunt Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi (AP)
Lionel Messi was treated with whistles and boos after Inter Miami’s heartbreaking defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals. With Messi taking centre stage, a record crowd of 53,837 fans was in attendance at BC Place in Canada to watch the crucial fixture.
The atmosphere turned chaotic after the visitors suffered a 2-0 loss following a dismal show by their defenders. Messi also struggled to influence the game. He attempted a long-ranger midway through the first half but missed the target. The Argentine even engaged in a heated back-and-forth with Vancouver midfielder Andres Cubas.
Messi found the best opportunity late in the second half when Inter Miami earned a free kick just outside the box. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, however, failed to slot it home as his shot was blocked by opposition goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. As a dejected Messi headed down the tunnel, he had to digest a chorus of booes from the Vancouver supporters.
A few from the Canadian crowd were even spotted waving Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey to taunt the Inter Miami star. Messi didn’t back off, though. Responding to the home fans, he gestured upwards and pointed at his eyes, which perhaps meant, “See you in the next game.”
Vancouver Whitecaps took a lead in the 24th minute, with US Men’s National Team forward Brian White putting them in front. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, struck the second goal for the hosts late in the second half, making the most out of Inter Miami’s poor defending.
It was only the second defeat of The Herons this season. The Miami-based side lost the quarter-final opener against LAFC 1-0 before pulling off a resounding comeback in the second leg at home and qualifying with an aggregate of 3-2.
“I still believe in this team, and we are going to find a way to play a good game in Miami. We have nothing to lose. We know we have to score at least two goals and not concede. Maybe the pressure will be on Vancouver,” Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano said after the defeat in Canada.
Inter Miami will host Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals in Florida on May 1.
