The much-anticipated return of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami’s starting lineup ended in disappointment as Monterrey triumphed at BBVA Stadium, knocking Miami out of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Despite Messi’s presence, Miami couldn’t overcome Monterrey’s dominance, succumbing to a 5-2 aggregate defeat in the quarterfinal.
Key Points:
1. Monterrey’s Victory:
– Monterrey sealed their victory with a commanding performance, stifling Messi and securing three crucial goals to clinch the tie.
– Brandon Vazquez initiated Monterrey’s dominance with an early goal, setting the tone for the match.
– Germán Berterame and Jesús Gallardo further extended Monterrey’s lead with impressive goals, putting the quarterfinal out of Miami’s reach.
2. Miami’s Struggles:
– Despite entering the match trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Miami faced an uphill battle as Monterrey continued their relentless attack.
– Miami suffered a setback when Jordi Alba was sent off late in the second half, leaving them with 10 players.
– Diego Gomez managed to salvage a consolation goal for Miami, but Monterrey maintained control to advance to the semifinals.
3. Impact of Messi’s Return:
– Messi returned to Miami’s starting lineup after recovering from a right thigh injury, but his efforts couldn’t turn the tide against Monterrey.
– Manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino expressed disappointment over the team’s defeat despite Messi’s presence, highlighting the significance of Monterrey’s performance.
4. Monterrey’s Next Challenge:
– Monterrey’s victory sets up an intriguing semifinal clash against the Columbus Crew, the lone remaining MLS side in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
– The first leg of the semifinal is scheduled for April 23, promising an exciting encounter between the two teams.
Conclusion:
Inter Miami’s hopes of Champions Cup success were dashed by Monterrey’s dominant display, despite the return of Lionel Messi to the starting lineup. Monterrey’s clinical performance propelled them to the semifinals, where they will face the Columbus Crew in a highly anticipated showdown. As Miami regroups, they turn their focus to their upcoming MLS fixtures, seeking to bounce back from their Champions Cup disappointment.