Inter Miami

Monterrey defeated king Lionel Messi. The Rayados beat Inter Miami 3-1 (on aggregate 5-2), which carried the DNA of Barcelona, ​​to advance to the semifinal of the Concachampions; a triumph that vindicates the Liga Mx after the mistakes that the Mexican clubs have made against the American league.

With a double from Germán Berterame, the Monterrey squad savored the victory with special pleasure as it was the first Mexican team to surpass Messi, one of the best soccer players in history.

Now, Rayados, already qualified for the Club World Cup, will face Columbus for a place in the final and if they win the ConcachampionsConcacaf must choose a team to award the fourth ticket available for the Mundialito.

The duel already arrived with high spirits. Since Fernando Tano Ortiz, coach of Monterrey, pointed out possible referee help in favor of the Miami team, a controversy broke out that grew after an altercation between Messi and Gerardo Martino with the Monterrey team at the end of the first leg.

The incident did not go unnoticed by Concacaf, and shortly before starting this match, it announced that it had imposed a fine on Inter for lack of security in its stadium.

Thus, spirits could not be more inflamed. Inter, owned by David Beckham, arrived at Monterrey’s home with the intention of turning around the 2-1 score from the first match.

The feeling of the fans ranged between affection and aversion towards Messi. Followers had received him the day before at the airport, thousands of them yesterday wore the now classic pink Miami shirt and even displayed a blanket with the image of Leo with a crown and the Monterrey uniform.

The Argentine only had to accept the defeat, since his team was unable to come back. Photo Ap

However, a loud boo went through the Rayados venue when the loudspeakers announced the names of Messi and Martino in the Miami lineup.

Leo’s announcement also ended a mystery regarding the possibility that the striker would not play in this match due to a discomfort he suffered a few weeks ago. He was recovered, he started and that was a clear message: he would fight for the win.

However, the script of the match was very different than expected. Even though Inter Miami presented itself with a squad that reminded us of the golden era of Barcelona with Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, there was not that connection and magic of yesteryear and, instead, they were surpassed in speed and precision.

With more determination and authority, Monterrey quickly read the opponent’s strategy to control the match easily and score the first goal in a short time. A vital inattention by goalkeeper Drake Callender opened the door for the locals. The goalkeeper made a clear mistake when giving the ball to Brandon Vázquez (31), who took advantage of the gift and shot directly into the net.

By that time, despair had already reached Inter and although Messi took a couple of dangerous shots, he could not awaken the fine style that elevated him to glory, even as world champion.

With the game already in their favor, the Rayados closed with Germán Berterame (58 and 64) who became the protagonist. The striker from Monterrey first scored a great goal with a riflazo from the crescent and just a few minutes later he repeated the dose with a header in front of an open goal.

The defeat was even more painful for Inter as they lost Jordi Alba, who was sent off in the 78th minute for a second warning. Unlike his glory years, Messi could now only contribute with an assist for Diego Gómez to score (86) and allow the American team to leave with an air of dignity.