Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have been sent packing out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup following their aggregate 5-2 loss to Mexican side Monterrey in Wednesday’s quarter final second leg clash.
Brandon Vazquez, German Berterame and Jesus Gallardo all netted for the Liga MX side who progressed to the semifinal after their 3-1 win on the night.
Messi returned to the starting lineup for the first time since his injury layoff in a bid to help Miami following their 2-1 loss in the first leg, however, the presence of the Argentine was not enough.
The 36-year-old had Miami’s best chance of the first 45 but his sailed over the bar from just inside the 18 yard area, on 25 minutes.
Monterrey took the lead six minutes later after Vazquez punished goalkeeper Drake Callender for his error – after he failed in his attempted pass to Sergio Busquets.
There was nothing created of note for Miami, with Luis Suarez only finding the back of the net in what was ruled out for offside in first half injury time.
Argentine striker Berterame netted in the 58th minute to leave Miami with a huge mountain to climb and Gallardo netted on 64 minutes to extend Monterrey’s lead.
It turned a night to forget after Jordi Alba was sent off for a second yellow card offense in the 78th minute. Diego Gomez headed a consolation goal for Miami thanks to Messi’s free kick in the 85th minute.
The winner of this edition of the Champions Cup is expected to earn a place at next year’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
