Soccer fans in Vancouver can finally breathe a sigh of relief: the iconic Lionel Messi has touched down in the city!

Messi, the star forward for Inter Miami, arrived in Vancouver on Wednesday, gearing up for a high-stakes clash against the Vancouver Whitecaps. This crucial matchup carries international significance as it’s the first of two encounters that will determine the fate of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal.

The victor of this intense showdown will advance to the prestigious tournament final, going head-to-head with either Tigres UANL or Cruz Azul, two powerhouse clubs from Mexico.

Fans have been biting their nails in anticipation, particularly after Messi's unexpected absence during a previous MLS match last spring. That no-show led to sky-high ticket prices and heavy promotion, but ultimately, a backlash from fans resulted in minimal compensation and even a class-action lawsuit.

Now, the lure of international glory has drawn Messi to Vancouver, though official confirmation about his presence on the field remains elusive.

High Hopes and Sold-Out Tickets

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano expressed the importance of the game, stating at a Wednesday press conference, "It’s a very important game for us. Maybe one of the most important games for the history of the club, so we are ready and we are waiting for this game." He remained tight-lipped on player availability, hinting, "Tomorrow you will see."

The excitement is palpable, with tickets flying off the shelves and showing up on resale sites ranging from $177 to a staggering $3,500. BC Place is expected to welcome about 54,000 fervent fans for this monumental clash.