Vancouver blanks Messi's Miami in CCC first semi

The Vancouver Whitecaps dealt a significant blow to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF's Concacaf Champions Cup final aspirations on Thursday, securing a decisive 2-0 victory in the first leg of their semifinal clash.

Brian White and Sebastain Berhalter scored for the Whitecaps, granting the Canadian side a substantial advantage heading into the second leg, amplified by the away goal rule.

The second leg is Wednesday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The series winner will advance to the final against either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL on June 1.

"We have nothing to lose. We have to win the game, we have to score two goals. The pressure is on Vancouver now to keep the result," Miami coach Javier Mascherano said ahead of the second semifinal.

Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images

Many in the record crowd of 53,837 at BC Place Stadium came to watch Messi. They weren't disappointed when the Argentine superstar started the game and played the entire match. Joining him in the star-studded kickoff was Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, forward Luis Suarez of Uruguay and defender Jordi Alba from Spain.

Despite Miami's star power, it was White who produced one of the loudest roars from the crowd when he headed a pass from Pedro Vite past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 25th minute. Berhalter made it 2-0 in the 84th.

"I still believe in this team and I know that we are going to find a way to play a good game in Miami and try to come back," Mascherano added.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.