While Inter Miami look to maintain their spot at the top of the Eastern Conference, it will be a tough road as they travel to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps without Lionel MessiLusi Suarez, and Sergio Busquets. Although the trio are not injured, they will have to sit out an away match on grass before a crucial midweek match against Atlanta United. When managing his stars, Tata Martino has to do things like this during the season, but it does create problems if BC Place was expected to be sold out for the match.
Vancouver actually released a statement about the absence of Miami's stars as a club-record crowd was expected.
“While we have not received an official update on Lionel Messi's availability, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand that they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent and it was important for us to communicate with our fans as quickly as possible.” said Axel Schuster, CEO of Whitecaps FC.
“We always want our best players to compete against our opponent's best players, and it was especially exciting for our team to play against players at the highest level. We know there will be many disappointed fans as well. We continue to to make it a special match.” It will still be an incredible atmosphere and football celebration for our city. We have great fans, we have a good team and Saturday's game is a very important home game for us.”
The Whitecaps will offer food at a 50 percent discount and give children under 18 a free meal combo, but when ticket prices rise because fans expect to see Messi, even food can't offset the financial losses with some tickets.
Here you'll find our storylines, how to watch the match and more.
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday May 25 | Time: 10:30 PM ET
- Place: BC Location — Vancouver, British Columbia
- TV: None | Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Chances: Vancouver Whitecaps-155; Sign +300; InterMiami +400
Storylines
Vancouver Whitecaps: Despite the lack of Miami stars, football can still be played. The Whitecaps are in a playoff position in the Western Conference, but barely as they have been pretty average this season. Brian White was in good form, scoring five goals and assisting two more, but more attacking power is needed to help him get the team going. Miami's defense is vulnerable, so this is a winnable game.
InterMiami: When Messi and Suarez haven't played, all eyes are on Leonardo Campana and the defense. Of Benjamin Cremaschi Back in the starting lineup, this is a deeper Inter Miami than earlier in the season, but they also enter their first spell of the season without scoring a goal in back-to-back games. If this continues, concerns will increase over whether they can keep up the pace in the Supporters' Shield.
Prediction
Backed by their home fans, the Whitecaps will enjoy a signature victory behind Brian White this season. Choose: Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Inter Miami 1
