Lionel Messi Sparks Heated Exchange With Monterrey Boss As Inter Miami Captain and Luis Suarez Confronts Referee After Loss- Reports

It was the fourth straight no-show from Lionel Messi, as Inter Miami lost to Monterrey in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal. Messi is still nursing a hamstring injury he contracted during the previous CONCACAF tie with Nashville. Though he did not lace up for the Herons, Messi was unapologetically vocal for his team. Firstly, he, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba questioned the refereeing decisions. Thereafter, the Miami skipper also drew daggers with Monterrey’s head coach Fernando Ortiz for his previous comments on the Herons.

As per renowned journalist Fernando Schwartz, Lionel Messi, Alba, and Suarez, complained to the referee Walter Lopez about crucial decisions that cost the team the match. Notably, the referee red-carded David Ruiz in the 65th minute and reduced Inter Miami to 10 men. Thus began Miami’s downfall. They conceded goals in the 69th and 89th minutes to lose against Monterrey. After the referee, it was the Monterrey boss Ortiz and his assistant, Nico Sanchez who faced La Pulga’s wrath. It is yet to be learned as to what Messi told the coach. Per reports, the Miami star fired back at the rival coach for saying that the refereeing was biased towards Inter Miami, in a pre-game conference.

Fernando Ortiz said that referees would rule in Inter Miami’s favor in the recent home game since the club is important to the MLS’ image. However, the contrary happened on the field, leaving Messi and Co. upset at the match official. Per Schwartz, Monterrey’s entourage has asked the CONCACAF to take note of Messi and other Miami players’ scuffle with them. Anyhow, the Monterrey coach later went on to quash his feud with Leo Messi in a post-game presser.

Monterrey’s boss is eager to welcome Lionel Messi for the second leg

Fernando Ortiz showed no sign of continuing his dispute with Lionel Messi while speaking to the press after the game. Ortiz said he admired the Argentine maestro and considered him to be the best player in the world. Thereafter, the Liga MX coach stated that his side is looking forward to facing Messi at home, should he recover and return in the second leg on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Reports: When Will Lionel Messi Return From Injury and Will He Play in Inter Miami’s Second Leg Against Monterrey?

As per the latest updates, there’s a fair chance that Leo Messi will feature in the coveted second leg. The 36-year-old will reportedly come off the bench against Sporting Kansas City on the weekend. Thereafter, he is expected to start against Monterrey on Wednesday. Well, it is paramount that Messi starts, considering it is a do-or-die clash for the Herons.

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