Messi-less Miami Fall Short: Inter Miami Lose First Leg of CONCACAF Champions Cup Quarterfinal

Inter Miami’s dream run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup hit a snag on Wednesday night as they fell 2-1 to Monterrey in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup at the Chase Center. The result adds to the frustration for Miami fans, especially considering the absence of star player Lionel Messi, who watched the game from the stands due to a hamstring injury.

A Familiar Foe for Inter Miami

Monterrey, a powerhouse in Mexican football, proved to be a tough opponent for Inter Miami. The visitors took the lead early in the first half through Tomas Aviles, before Maximiliano Meza equalized for Miami. However, Monterrey wouldn’t be denied, as Jorge Rodriguez netted the winning goal in the second half.

This defeat is a significant blow to Inter Miami’s hopes of continental glory. The CONCACAF Champions Cup was seen as a major target for the club, especially with a place in the prestigious Club World Cup up for grabs. Coach Phil Neville made no secret of the importance of the competition, and Messi’s absence has undoubtedly weakened their chances.

Messi’s Injury a Major Concern

The Argentine maestro has been plagued by injuries in recent months, missing several key matches towards the end of last season and now this crucial Champions Cup encounter. While Messi’s presence on the pitch is a massive boost for Inter Miami, his fitness is becoming a source of worry for fans and management alike.

Questions are swirling about whether Messi, at 37 years old, can manage the demands of a full season, especially with the Copa America looming large this summer. With Messi sidelined, Inter Miami have struggled to find a consistent attacking threat, and their reliance on the veteran playmaker is becoming increasingly evident.

Can Miami Turn it Around?

Despite the setback, Inter Miami are not out of the competition yet. They will need a strong performance in the second leg away in Monterrey on April 10th. However, the task is daunting. Not only do they need to overturn a one-goal deficit, but the away goals rule adds another layer of difficulty. To progress, Miami will need to score at least three goals without conceding at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Inter Miami. Messi’s return to fitness will be essential if they are to have any hope of salvaging their season and achieving their goals in both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Major League Soccer.

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.