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7 months ago
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Lionel Messi's first start since returning from injury was the only thing Inter Miami fans will be happy about on Wednesday night, as they were eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Mexican side Monterrey.
Messi had been out since March 13 with a hamstring injury, prior to an appearance as a substitute last weekend against the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer action.
Inter Miami entered the Champions Cup quarterfinal only needing two unanswered goals to advance to an All-American semifinal against the Columbus Crew.
By being eliminated by Monterrey, Inter Miami also will not play in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 taking place in the United States.
Messi did play for the game's entire 90 minutes in his first start in a month.
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami squad was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup
United States men's national team forward Brandon Vazquez scored the game's opening goal
Messi did not get a shot on goal during the game against Monterrey on Wednesday night
United States men's national team striker Brandon Vazquez scored the game's opening goal in the 31st minute on a horrible mistake from countryman Drake Callender, who essentially passed the ball to his opponent from six yards out.
Just before halftime, Luis Suarez nearly put Inter Miami level, scoring before he was ruled offsides.
Monterrey doubled its lead on the evening in the 58th minute on a German Berterame screamer.
Dribbling around a Miami defender, Berterame took the shot from outside the box, beating an outstretched Callender on a rocket to the upper-right corner of the net.
Jesus Gallardo scored Monterrey's final goal of the evening in the 64th minute on a header with Miami's defense playing too relaxed with the result in hand.
After Jordi Alba was shown a red card in the 78th minute, Inter Miami made sure they did not leave Mexico scoreless, adding a consolation marker in the 85th minute from Diego Gomez.
Jordi Alba was shown a red card in the 78th minute with the result already in hand in Mexico
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was in attendance for the team's loss to Monterrey
Luis Suarez joined Miami for another chance to play with Messi after their time at Barcelona
Gomez's goal was Inter Miami's only shot on goal of the entire contest.
The winner of Columbus-Monterrey will face the winner of Pachuca-Club America in the cup final.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are back in MLS action this weekend with a Saturday night clash against Sporting Kansas City.
The game will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs.
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