It’s Messi mania in Vancouver.
The Inter Miami star, deemed soccer’s greatest living player by many, has officially touched down in Vancouver ahead of a key international match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
On Wednesday night, fans flocked to the University of British Columbia where Inter Miami was training, some trying to push through hedges or climb trees in hopes of catching a glimpse — only to be pushed back by security.
Thursday is the first of two matches between the teams, the second to be played in Miami, that will decide which club advances to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League, where they will face off with a pro team from Mexico.
Inter Miami has not confirmed whether Messi will actually play.
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Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster said the star’s presence is good news for the game.
“To see that excitement and also to see how soccer is growing, also how he …