Messi on collision course with Vancouver Whitecaps and he might have to show up this time
The Vancouver Whitecaps are on fire and have put themselves on track to potentially face off against superstar Lionel Messi at BC Place next month.
The Whitecaps tied Monterrey FC and Sergio Ramos 2-2 in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 last night. Since they tied the first game 1-1, the Whitecaps advanced despite the total score being 3-3, as they had more away goals.
That result marks the first time the Whitecaps have eliminated a Mexican team in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They’ve played six straight games across all competitions without losing, winning four.
“I’m very happy for them because this is a team that will grow, it’s a hard-working team, it’s a team that works together,” said Whitecaps manager Jesper Sørensen.
The Whitecaps are now on a collision course to play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in a potential semi-final matchup. Before that, the Whitecaps will first need to get through the winner of Pumas UNAM or Alajuelense — likely Pumas UNAM, as they secured a 2-0 lead in the first leg of their own Round of 16 matchup.
The quarter-finals take place on April 1 and 8. A potential semi-final matchup against Miami and Messi would take place with two games between April 22 and May 1.
Miami has a 2-0 lead in their own Round of 16 matchup. If they can hold onto that advantage, they’ll play LAFC in the quarter-finals, and if they win that, they’ll potentially play the Whitecaps.
CONCACAF
Messi was scheduled to play the Whitecaps in Vancouver last season. The club opened BC Place’s upper bowl to accommodate the massive ticket demand, and prices on the secondary market were through the roof. At the last minute, Messi pulled out of the game and didn’t even get on the plane to Vancouver.
More than 50,000 fans still packed BC Place for the game. Many displayed their disappointment with clever signs or jersey alterations. The Whitecaps offered half-priced food and drink and a free ticket to a future match to all the fans in attendance.
If Inter Miami and Messi get scheduled to visit the Whitecaps again this year, the hope is that he’ll play, as the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup carry more weight than a regular season MLS game.
The Whitecaps have some work to do before it gets to that point, but there’s a possibility that the biggest soccer star in the world could be coming to Vancouver very soon.