Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi ‘cannot’ ‘exist’ in seclusion with the other. While their respective moves to the Saudi Pro League and the MLS effectively ‘ended’ a several decade long rivalry, fans haven’t managed to do the same. Messi’s Inter Miami took on Monterrey in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final, which they eventually lost 5-2 on aggregate.
Lionel Messi was included in the starting XI after sitting out a number of games due to an injury that he picked up prior to the international break. Despite the return of Miami’s prolific No.10, his side were second best to a dominant Monterrey team, who put three past the Herons at the Estadio BBVA. As a Messi-led Inter Miami failed to muster a comeback win, the home crowd reminded the Argentine of his age-old rival.
Chants shouting ‘Cristiano Ronaldo‘ hung in the air as a section of supporters made use of the opportunity to try and rile up the Argentine. While Cristiano Ronaldo had a rather aggressive response to the home crowd chanting Messi’s name, the latter remained unbothered about the same.
Following the loss, Miami now only have the MLS to focus on. They take on Kansas City next, just 3 days after their loss.
Lionel Messi and co. knocked out of Champions Cup by Monterrey
Lionel Messi saw his side come up short against Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday. The Herons were thoroughly beaten over two legs by the Mexican side.
The aggregate read 5-2 as Miami were beaten 3-1 away from home. Messi came extremely close to giving his side the lead on Wednesday, but saw his shot go over the crossbar by the finest of margins.
Miami then conceded a goal in the worst way possible, when Drake Callender passed the ball to the opposition striker. Brandon Vazquez then proceeded to find the back of the net with relative ease.
It was all one-way traffic in the second half, as the hosts put two goals in quick succession past the visitors. German Berterame scored a banger from outside the area while Jesus Gallardo pounced on a defensive error.
To make things worse, Jordi Alba was sent off after picking up a second yellow for dissent. The Spanish left-back furiously walked off the pitch before Miami scored their only goal of the game.
Diego Gomez leapt the highest to meet a Lionel Messi free-kick which was floated into the box. However, Miami’s late goal proved to be too little too late for the visitors.
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