Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup dreams were shattered in brutal fashion on Wednesday as Monterrey dismantled the Herons 3-1 at Estadio BBVA to win 5-2 on aggregate.
Wednesday’s second leg in Mexico was the most hostile environment Lionel Messi has played in since joining Inter Miami in the summer. Monterrey fans boo Messi every time he touches the ball and got the last laugh as their side cruised to victory.
We’ve written in the past about Cristiano Ronaldo being the recipient of boos and “Messi” chants frequently in Saudi Arabia. Miami’s game vs. Monterrey was Messi’s turn to feel the burn of opposing fans.
The Argentina star was booed from the beginning of the game until the end.
Monterrey fans boo Messi
ABUCHEADA HISTÓRICA A MESSI EN MONTERREY. pic.twitter.com/xsFkZs2FzC
— MT (@MadridTotal_) April 11, 2024
صافرات استهجان من الجماهير المكسيكيه لحظة ذكر اسم الأسطورة ميسي pic.twitter.com/tsh26lvwry
— Messi Xtra (@M30Xtra) April 11, 2024
— Messi Xtra (@M30Xtra) April 11, 2024
Why did they boo Messi? Several reasons.
Arguably the biggest reason for Monterrey’s disdain for Messi was a reported incident between him, Tata Martino and Monterrey assistant coach Nico Sánchez. He said in an interview that Messi and Martino threatened him after the first leg in Miami.
️️️ pic.twitter.com/QrmcB7nVXF
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 11, 2024
Another possible reason for the boo-birds was ill feelings for Messi’s heroics in the 2022 World Cup when Argentina defeated Mexico in the group stage, ultimately leading to El Tri’s elimination.
The hostile atmosphere played its part at Miami collapsed under the pressure suffering their largest loss with Messi starting.
United States men’s national team striker Brandon Vazquez opened the scoring early thanks to a horrific mistake from Drake Callender.
A giveaway leads to Monterrey's first goal of the night! pic.twitter.com/8e7jpVi0Ui
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 11, 2024
Miami’s attack sputtered and failed to produce any serious chances to threaten Monterrey’s lead.
Messi went for it, no good pic.twitter.com/r4O4udz0J2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 11, 2024
El Rayados put the nail in the coffin with goals in the 58th and 64th minutes. Messi and friends’ Concacaf Champions Cup run ends with a whimper.
Monterrey scores another one! pic.twitter.com/DL9fnj6M7f
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 11, 2024
MY WORD! Monterrey with its third unanswered goal of the night pic.twitter.com/T2eHcMbhj4
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 11, 2024
The Herons did find a consolation goal with Messi assisting Diego Gómez on a free kick.
Diego Gómez heads it in off Messi's free kick ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/dSbQo1FXsT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 11, 2024
Other than the assist, Messi’s first-ever competitive game in Mexico won’t be one he wants to remember.
Monterrey advance to the semifinals and will face the last MLS team standing in the tournament, the Columbus Crew.
