Inter Miami CF 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps FC

By Alonso Contreras

First Half: Inter Miami Strike First, But Cracks Begin to Show

Inter Miami CF got off to a dream start, breaking the deadlock in the 9th minute. A sharp combination between Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez opened space on the left for Jordi Alba, who struck a left-footed shot into the top left corner, leaving Yohei Takaoka with no chance. It was a vintage move, full of intelligence and cohesion from Miami's experienced stars.

Despite the early goal, Miami showed signs of vulnerability. In the 13th minute, Emmanuel Sabbi hit the post with a curling shot that beat Óscar Ustari, foreshadowing what was to come. The visitors from Vancouver settled quickly into the rhythm, and Ali Ahmed proved a constant nuisance on the left flank, delivering two dangerous balls that required sharp stops from Ustari.

Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia had moments of promise, with the former seeing his 45th-minute shot blocked from close range. Messi was heavily involved, orchestrating play and firing wide on several occasions, but without the end product. Vancouver’s press increasingly stifled Miami’s buildup.

The first half ended with the hosts clinging to their 1-0 lead, but Vancouver's growing influence was impossible to ignore.

Second Half: Vancouver’s Storm Overwhelms the Hosts

What began as a balanced encounter turned into a tactical masterclass from Vancouver in the second half. In the 51st minute, Sebastian Berhalter delivered a composed assist to Brian White, who calmly slotted home from the center of the box to level the score at 1-1. The equalizer rattled Miami, and just two minutes later, Pedro Vite launched a rocket into the top corner to give Vancouver a stunning 2-1 lead.

Miami attempted to regroup with multiple substitutions — bringing on Obando, Cremaschi, and Luján — but Vancouver stayed compact and punished errors in transition. In the 71st minute, a sequence of fast passing led to Berhalter himself finishing from the center of the area, effectively putting the game to bed at 3-1.

Messi and Suárez tried to ignite a comeback. Suárez missed narrowly after a quick feed from Cremaschi, and Messi forced Takaoka into a stunning save in the 87th minute. But despite their efforts, Miami never truly recovered from the early second-half blitz.

Key Performances:

• Pedro Vite (Vancouver) – Scored a rocket of a goal and was a constant threat in midfield.

• Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver) – A goal and two assists. Arguably the man of the match.

• Jordi Alba (Inter Miami) – Opened the scoring and was influential down the left before fatigue set in.

• Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver) – Made crucial saves late to deny Messi and Allende.

Final Whistle Reaction:

Inter Miami were left stunned on home soil as a clinical Vancouver side overturned a first-half deficit with three unanswered goals. Despite starting with flair and confidence, the Herons faded physically and tactically as the Whitecaps took control.

Vancouver’s tactical discipline, pressing, and efficient transitions turned the tide in a performance that sent a message across the league.

Full Time Score:

Inter Miami CF 1 – Alba (9')

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3 – White (51'), Vite (53'), Berhalter (71')