Lionel Messi Set to Play in High-Stakes Match Against Vancouver Whitecaps

Lionel Messi has shared his customary gameday Instagram story, signaling his participation in Inter Miami’s crucial face-off against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET tonight. For fans of the Argentine superstar, this is a promising indication of his involvement in the eagerly awaited showdown since Messi traditionally avoids pre-game posts when he’s not taking to the field.

Inter Miami, currently down 2-0 to Vancouver, must score at least two goals to push the game into extra time or three goals to secure a win outright. However, achieving this requires shutting out the in-form Whitecaps at Chase Stadium on Wednesday night. Can Messi, alongside Inter Miami’s lineup of former Barcelona greats — including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and coach Javier Mascherano — engineer a dramatic turnaround? Or will their Champions Cup campaign come to an abrupt end just shy of the June 1 final?

“If there’s something we thrive on, it’s playing under this type of pressure. Ultimately, it’s what brings life to the game and gives it meaning,” Mascherano remarked a day before the crucial match. Stay updated with USA TODAY Sports as they provide live coverage of tonight’s encounter and deliver all the crucial information you need to know.