Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami had their hopes of winning a continental trophy dashed on Wednesday night in Monterrey, Mexico in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Monterrey, a strong team from Liga MX, dominated Miami with a 3-1 victory, making it clear in the two-leg series that ended with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
Miami faced an uphill battle from the start. After losing a man and conceding two goals late in the previous week’s home game, they needed to make a comeback on the road.
An error by goalkeeper Drake Callender, attempting to play out from the back, led to a first-half goal for Monterrey’s Brandon Vazquez. Monterrey sealed the game in the second half with goals from Germán Berterame in the 58th minute and Jesus Gallardo in the 64th.
GO DEEPER
Patrick Schulte leads Crew to CONCACAF semis
The outcome means that MLS will have only one team in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals: the Columbus Crew, who defeated Tigres in a penalty shootout on Tuesday. The winner of the Champions Cup will secure a spot in next summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite fielding their four star players—Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—Miami still appeared outmatched for most of the game against a Monterrey team with a stronger lineup.
“I don’t want to make excuses, but comparing the benches gives you an idea of the difference,” said midfielder Julian Gressel. “Hopefully, MLS will work on building deeper rosters in the future to compete better in this tournament.”
Inter Miami’s defeat adds to MLS’s historical struggles in the competition. Seattle Sounders remain the only MLS team to have won the tournament, back in 2022. This year marks the fourth time in six years that MLS has had only one semifinalist.
Messi and Inter Miami’s best shot at qualifying for the Club World Cup next year now lies in winning the 2024 MLS Cup. As the host nation, MLS will have one more chance to secure a spot, with the league championship being the most likely route.
Estadio BBVA rocked as Monterrey rolled
Estadio BBVA, nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, is a crucial venue in North American soccer. The electrifying atmosphere at the stadium on Wednesday likely contributed to Miami’s downfall, although Monterrey needed no assistance. The Monterrey fans were fully invested during the entire match, creating a deafening noise.
In Mexico, Messi doesn’t receive the universal adoration he enjoys elsewhere, as evidenced by the scarcity of Messi jerseys in the crowd and the relentless boos directed at him throughout the game. Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, received even louder jeers due to Mexico’s early exit in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
By the end of the game, the crowd had two chants ready: first, “Messi se la come” (Messi can eat it), and then simply chanting Cristiano Ronaldo’s name repeatedly. Simple but effective.
“We were prepared for this atmosphere,” said Miami midfielder Julian Gressel after the game. “It was a beautiful setting, great fans, a strong team—these are the moments you want to play in. It’s an away game, and you expect that kind of reception.”
Playing in Mexico presents challenges not typically encountered in MLS. The size of Estadio BBVA is imposing, the crowd noise is intimidating, and one misstep can lead to mental pressure. Drake Callender experienced this firsthand. – Pablo Maurer & Felipe Cardenas
Callender’s first-half error put Miami even further behind (Alfredo Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Callender’s error put Miami on the back foot
Two consecutive days of MLS teams in Mexico needing a win in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, two consecutive days of goalkeepers making costly errors trying to play from the back.
On Tuesday, it was Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who redeemed himself in a penalty shootout. On Wednesday, it was Drake Callender.
¡Brandon Vazquez anota el 1-0 para Rayados! 🤠 pic.twitter.com/uvDgLk8TlN
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) April 11, 2024
While the goal deflated Inter Miami in the first half, it didn’t immediately end their chances. Trailing 2-1 in the second leg, Miami needed at least two goals to win the series.
However, Callender’s mistake, following Miami’s best play near Monterrey’s box with a shot from Messi just over the crossbar, disrupted their recovery. Miami struggled to bounce back after the goal but had a few good chances towards the end of the first half.
Unfortunately, Monterrey’s second goal in the 58th minute proved decisive. – Paul Tenorio
Berterame’s shot from distance did much to separate the sides (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Berterame’s rocket put it out of reach
With the crowd chanting “olé”, it felt like Monterrey’s second goal was inevitable as Inter Miami struggled to maintain possession and were caught out in search of an equalizer.
All these factors contributed to Berterame’s powerful strike in the 58th minute, making it 2-0 and essentially sealing the game for Monterrey.
After Miami’s defensive error led to Chelo Weigandt getting caught upfield, Berterame found himself with ample space at the top of the penalty area and capitalized on the opportunity.
¡GOLAZO de Germán Berterame! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/MYlC0XqO3o
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) April 11, 2024
This goal showcased why the Portland Timbers pursued him for $15 million in January. Monterrey emerged as the clear winners in that potential deal. – Felipe Cardenas
A difference in squad construction
Despite having four legends in their lineup, Inter Miami couldn’t match Monterrey’s overall quality in the two-leg series. The Liga MX side displayed better teamwork and sharpness, easily breaking through Miami’s defense when opportunities arose.
Although Miami needed adjustments, coach Martino opted not to make any substitutions throughout the game, citing a young bench with inexperienced players as the reason.
“The teams progressing in the Champions Cup have the best squads in Mexican football,” Martino stated. “Until MLS relaxes its roster rules to build stronger squads capable of overcoming player absences and injuries, Liga MX will maintain an edge.”
The Columbus Crew stands as MLS’s last hope to challenge Liga MX’s superiority. – Alexander Abnos
(Photo: Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)