Inter Miami’s dream of continental success was brought to a bitter end this week as they crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a 5-1 aggregate loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Head coach Javier Mascherano described the exit as “hurtful,” acknowledging the disappointment not only for the club but for star player Lionel Messi and the fans who believed this was the club’s moment to shine on the international stage.

The semifinal tie was effectively decided in the second leg, where Inter Miami fell 3-1 at home despite an early goal from Jordi Alba. What started as a promising night quickly deteriorated due to defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion across the back line. Vancouver responded ruthlessly, scoring three times to emphatically seal their place in the final and leave Miami reeling.

“It hurts because we wanted to reach the final,” Mascherano admitted after the match. “That would have placed the club in a very important position. But we have to accept that they were better. They had more hierarchy and they surpassed us.”

The result marked Inter Miami’s third consecutive loss their longest losing streak since Messi joined the squad in mid-2023. While expectations were sky-high for a side boasting World Cup winners like Messi, Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the result exposed lingering issues in the squad’s defensive setup and in-game decision-making. Miami’s hopes of capturing the most prestigious club trophy in the region were dashed in front of a stunned home crowd at Chase Stadium.

Mascherano did not shy away from responsibility. “We know Inter Miami has won the Leagues Cup, but the most important tournament in the region is the CONCACAF Champions Cup,” he said. “Sometimes you have to accept that we were not good enough on the day.”

The fallout from the loss has already sparked criticism from fans and pundits alike. While some directed their frustration at tactical choices and squad rotation, others questioned the mental sharpness and hunger of a star-studded team that looked uncharacteristically flat on a big night.

Despite the painful setback, Mascherano struck a note of resilience. “Now it’s time to focus on MLS,” he said. “We’ve been competing in two competitions for over two months. We need to regroup, improve, and get back to winning ways.”

The road ahead won’t be easy. Inter Miami face a crucial MLS fixture this Saturday against the New York Red Bulls a chance to regain some momentum and silence growing doubts. With the FIFA Club World Cup also looming on the horizon, Mascherano must now refocus his squad and keep their broader ambitions alive.

The defeat to Vancouver is undoubtedly a hard pill to swallow, especially for a club aiming to become a continental force. But if Mascherano and his squad can turn this pain into motivation, there may yet be brighter days ahead for Inter Miami.