Lionel Messi’s presence is drawing record crowds in MLS. The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to break their all-time attendance record for their Champions Cup semifinal against Inter Miami.
Watching Lionel Messi play is one of those luxuries that everyone wants to experience. Considering the importance of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal match, the Vancouver Whitecaps have anticipated the historic event that will occur in tonight’s match against Las Garzas: BC Place will be completely full for the first time since the Canadian team’s existence.
While the attendance record of the blue and white team had been broken a year ago when they received Inter Miami for matchday 15 of the MLS 2024, this time it will be even greater. While on that occasion the total number of spectators was 51,035, now it is expected to be 54,500, the highest possible capacity in the stadium.
Since the team’s move to BC Place, it had only been possible to sell all the tickets available for the lower stands, having completed the 27,683 places in 2018 for an MLS match against Seattle Sounders FC. Subsequently, in 2023 the upper stands were opened for a match against LAFC, in which they reached an attendance of 30,204. As mentioned above, all the records were broken with the visit of Inter Miami in 2024, and now in 2025.
Will Messi play?
In the preview, the Argentine coach was asked about the participation of the 10 in the match, but dodged the question: “I don’t talk before the match about who is available.” Messi traveled with the squad to Canada, as could be seen on the club’s social networks, and would be a starter against the Caps if there are no problems.
The excitement surrounding Messi’s potential appearance has clearly driven ticket sales, as Vancouver prepares to host a record-breaking crowd for the Champions Cup semifinal.
