Ryan Gauld faces a race against time to recover from a knee injury for Vancouver Whitecaps’ Champions Cup semi-final clash with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, following a dramatic comeback win over Pumas to reach the final four.

Vancouver Whitecaps are gearing up for a thrilling showdown with Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, following a dramatic 3-3 aggregate victory over Mexican giants Pumas.

However, their Scottish playmaker, Ryan Gauld, faces a race against time to be fit for the clash with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami after suffering a knee injury in early March.

Gauld, who has been instrumental in Vancouver’s success, has not played since the Whitecaps’ 2-0 win over Montreal and is currently recovering from the injury, with hopes of making a timely return to face Messi and the star-studded Miami squad.

The Whitecaps reached the semi-finals in dramatic fashion, securing a 2-2 draw in Mexico City after a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at home.

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The goal that sealed their progression came from Tristan Blackman in the third minute of stoppage time, sending the traveling supporters into raptures.

Despite the absence of their talismanic captain, Vancouver showed grit and determination to overcome Pumas, with coach Jesper Sørensen lauding his team’s effort.

Sørensen, who is in his first season with the Whitecaps, highlighted the monumental achievement of reaching the Champions Cup semi-finals, noting that victories like this were rare for the club. “It’s definitely up there as one of the best moments of my career as a coach,” Sørensen said after the match.

While Gauld’s absence was felt during the victory over Pumas, his return could prove crucial as the Whitecaps now look ahead to their semi-final encounter with Messi’s Inter Miami.

The first leg will take place at BC Place on April 23, followed by the return leg in Florida on April 30. Gauld, who has been sidelined for nearly a month, will need to pass fitness tests and shake off the lingering effects of his knee injury to participate in the crucial fixture.

His creativity and playmaking ability have been central to Vancouver’s success this season, and his presence against the likes of Messi, Luis Suárez, and Hugo Lloris will be pivotal.

Meanwhile, Messi’s Inter Miami are riding high after a dramatic 3-1 win over LAFC, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory that propelled them to the semi-finals. Messi was the star of the show, scoring twice and converting a late penalty to complete Miami’s stunning comeback.

The match, which began with Miami trailing 1-0 from the first leg, saw Messi find the back of the net in the 35th minute to level the score.

Miami’s defense was tested throughout, but a misjudgment by former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed Noah Allen’s cross to find its way into the net, putting Miami ahead on aggregate.

After a header from Suárez was ruled out for offside, the match seemed poised for a nail-biting conclusion, and it was Messi who stepped up once again, scoring a penalty after a handball by LAFC’s Marlon in the 84th minute.

Oscar Ustari’s key saves in stoppage time sealed the win for Miami, and Messi’s leadership and composed finishing proved decisive.

With his sights now set on the upcoming clash with Vancouver, Messi is eager to continue his sensational form in MLS, having already made a significant impact since joining the team.

For Vancouver, facing Messi and Miami will be a formidable challenge. The Whitecaps’ victory over Pumas was a significant milestone in their Champions Cup journey, but the clash with Miami will be a true test of their resilience.

With or without Gauld, Vancouver will need to put in a near-perfect performance to withstand the attacking threats posed by Messi, Suárez, and the rest of the Miami squad.

The stakes are high, and the excitement surrounding this upcoming semi-final is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the meeting of two teams at different stages of their journeys in the tournament.

Ryan Gauld’s potential return to action has added an extra layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be an epic encounter between two of the most exciting teams in North American football.

The Whitecaps will be hoping that their captain can recover in time to take on one of the world’s greatest players, while Messi and Miami will be looking to maintain their momentum as they aim for the Champions Cup final.

The first leg in Vancouver is sure to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams fighting for a place in the prestigious final.