MIAMI, MESSI CRASH OUT OF CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP AT QUARTERFINAL STAGE

Houston, Texas

Sam Mbonu

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were dumped out of the Concacaf Champions Cup by Monterrey FC after completing a 5-2 aggregate victory in their quarterfinal clash. 

In what appears to be Messi biggest game for Inter Miami turns out to be one of his worst game in his illustrious career. 

Goals from Brandon Vazquez, German Berterame and Jesus Gallardo sealed a deserved 3-1 win on the night for the Liga-MX side, who advance to a semifinal with Major League Soccer

champions Columbus.

Trailing 2-1 after last week’s first leg in Florida, Inter Miami recalled Argentinian superstar Messi to their starting lineup for the first time since his near month-long injury absence.

But the presence of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was not enough to inspire Inter against a Monterrey side who looked far sharper in all departments.

Inter goalkeeper Drake Callender was forced into action early on, saving smartly after a bullet header by Monterrey’s US international striker Vazquez.

Messi had Miami’s best chance of the first half but he shot over the bar from just inside the area on 25 minutes.

Monterrey took the lead on 31 minutes after Vazquez punished a howler from Callender.

The goalkeeper miscued an attempted pass to Sergio Busquets and found Vazquez just metres from the Miami goal.

On 58 minutes, Monterrey left Miami with a mountain to climb with a fantastic strike from their own Argentine striker Berterame.

After crisp approach play, Berterame lost of his marker on the edge of the area and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner.

Six minutes later Berterame turned provider, sent a cross to an unmarked Gallardo, who finished perfectly with a header past Callender.

Inter Miami miserable night ended in 78 minutes when former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba was sent off after picking up his second yellow card for a stamp on Gallardo.

Diego Gomez nodded in a late consolation goal for Miami from Messi’s inviting free kick on 85 minutes but it was too little too late for the MLS club.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the premier regional club competition for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, with the winner of this year’s tournament earning a place at next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Mexican clubs have dominated the Champions Cup since Guadalajara won the first edition in 1962, lifting the trophy 38 times.