Lionel Messi and Inter Miami flamed out of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, losing 5-1 on aggregate against the upstart Vancouver Whitecaps.

Just steps away from Inter Miami CF’s stadium in Fort Lauderdale sits a small airport. Yet, on the pitch on Wednesday, Lionel Messi’s Herons saw their dreams of hoisting a Concacaf Champions Cup trophy take off into the night sky.

Last season, Miami fell victim to a first-round playoff exit despite being the No. 1 seed and Supporters' Shield winners. With Miami's stars only getting older and not many elite young talents supporting them, another early exit could be on the horizon come postseason time.