Messi scheduled to play Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place but will he show up this time?
The Vancouver Whitecaps are doing everything possible to get a date against Lionel Messi at BC Place.
They pulled out a massive result in last night’s second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals against Pumas UNAM. After tying the first match 1-1 at BC Place, the Whitecaps scored twice in Mexico, advancing despite the 3-3 tie on aggregate because of an advantage in away goals.
The Whitecaps are now in the semi-finals with the four best teams across North America. Their opponent is Messi and Inter Miami CF. The Whitecaps will host the first leg on April 24, and the second leg will be played in Miami on April 30.
All eyes will be on Messi and if he decides to make the trip to Vancouver. He infamously bailed at the last minute for last year’s regular season game at BC Place, leaving tens of thousands of fans disappointed.
This time around, there’s a lot more on the line and that may motivate Messi to suit up at BC Place despite the turf field and long plane ride. Messi has said in the past that turf is not an issue for him.
Miami plays in Columbus five days before the BC Place game and then back at home against Dallas just two days after the Whitecaps matchup. It remains to be seen if Messi will be comfortable with the travel or if he’ll decide to sit out the crucial CONCACAF Champions Cup game.
The Whitecaps lead MLS with 16 points, while Miami sits not far behind with 14. These are two of the best MLS teams going against each other with a spot in the premier continental tournament on the line.
Tickets to potentially see Messi play at BC Place will be in high demand. Last year, they were sold for hundreds of dollars. The Whitecaps have announced season ticket members, and those interested in large groups or match packs will get a 24-hour presale starting at noon today.
Fans can get a presale link if they sign up to be a ‘Caps Insider or text CUP to 604-305-4530 before 10 a.m. today.
Single-match tickets will be made available on April 11 at noon through Ticketmaster.
The Whitecaps have designated sections 201 to 207 and 248 to 254 for supporters only. Miami gear, including Messi jerseys, is not permitted in those areas.
The semi-final on the other side of the bracket features Cruz Azul and Tigres UNAL, two of the best teams in Mexico. The tournament final will be played on June 1, with the winner advancing to the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.