“It’s crazy to think that these are Mexican fans waiting for a team from America’s MLS. Yes, this is true, because Messi is playing for Inter Miami Club,” said the author. exclaimed Favian Renkel of Forbes magazine and 90min US .
Messi and Inter Miami Club arrived in Mexico on April 10. Unlike predictions that they would encounter hostility from fans here, the famous Argentine player and his teammates were warmly welcomed. On the way from the airport to the hotel in the center of Monterrey City, hundreds of Mexican fans poured out to welcome Messi and Inter Miami Club.
This image is very different from the previous statements of Monterrey Club fans: “Messi it’s best not to go to Mexico. Messi doesn’t exist here”, or: “Messi is shaking in fear. He should stay home “.
In the first leg at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) on April 4, Messi did not play because he had just recovered from injury, had to watch the match from the stands and witnessed the home team lose to Monterrey with a score of 1-1. 2. The famous Argentine player just returned to play for Inter Miami for about 45 minutes in the second half of the 2-2 draw with Colorado Rapids on April 7 in the MLS tournament. In this match, Messi scored 1 goal and contributed to the 2nd goal.
“Messi felt fine after the last 45 minutes of play. Obviously, the injury no longer affected him. The difference compared to the previous match (first leg and Messi did not play), is Due to our decision, we need more time for him to really feel his best. Let’s wait and see how the upcoming match will change (with Messi’s return)”, coach Tata Martino emphasized in the press conference, after the entire Inter Miami team had just arrived in Mexico on April 10 and continuously received questions about Messi’s situation.
In addition to Messi’s return, Inter Miami Club also has the services of Ukrainian midfielder Serhiy Kryvtsov and young striker Benjamin Cremaschi after recovering from injury and are both present on the trip to Monterrey.
These returns, especially Messi with 100% ability to play from the start with longtime teammates like Busquets, Alba and Suarez, have brought great hope for Inter Miami to overturn the losing situation. 1-2 rounds ahead of rival Monterrey to win tickets to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With the away goals rule still applicable, Messi and his teammates need to beat Monterrey by a margin of 2-0, 3-1 or 3-2 or more in the second leg to qualify.