- In Messi’s first club game in Mexico, Miami is eliminated from Champions Cup
- Monterrey advances to tournament semifinals to face the Columbus Crew
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Lionel Messi’s first start since returning from injury was the only thing Inter Miami fans will be happy about on Wednesday night, as they were eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Mexican side Monterrey.
Messi had been out since March 13 with a hamstring injury, prior to an appearance as a substitute last weekend against the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer action.
Inter Miami entered the Champions Cup quarterfinal only needing two unanswered goals to advance to an All-American semifinal against the Columbus Crew.
By being eliminated by Monterrey, Inter Miami also will not play in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 taking place in the United States.
Messi did play for the game’s entire 90 minutes in his first start in a month.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami squad was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup
United States men’s national team forward Brandon Vazquez scored the game’s opening goal
United States men’s national team striker Brandon Vazquez scored the game’s opening goal in the 31st minute on a horrible mistake from countryman Drake Callender, who essentially passed the ball to his opponent from six yards out.
Monterrey doubled its lead on the evening in the 58th minute on a German Berterame screamer.
Jesus Gallardo scored Monterrey’s final goal of the evening in the 64th minute.
After Jordi Alba was shown a red card in the 78th minute, Inter Miami made sure they did not leave Mexico scoreless, adding a consolation marker in the 85th minute from Diego Gomez.
The winner of Columbus-Monterrey will face the winner of Pachuca-Club America in the cup final.
