In a quarterfinal clash of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Mexican side Monterrey defeated Inter Miami with a convincing 5-2 aggregate victory. Despite the return of Lionel Messi from injury, Monterrey sealed a 3-1 win on the night with goals from Brandon Vazquez, German Berterame, and Jesus Gallardo. The Liga MX side will now face Major League Soccer champions Columbus in the semifinals. Inter Miami, trailing 2-1 after the first leg in Florida, were unable to match the sharpness and skill of Monterrey in this crucial match.
Despite a strong performance from Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, Monterrey’s Vazquez punished a mistake from Callender to score the opening goal for his team. Messi, making his first start after a month-long injury absence, had a chance to equalize for Miami but missed the target. Monterrey continued their dominance in the second half, with Berterame scoring a fantastic goal before providing an assist for Gallardo to extend their lead further. A red card for Jordi Alba further compounded Miami’s woes, despite a late consolation goal from Diego Gomez off Messi’s free kick.
Mexican clubs have historically done well in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Guadalajara winning the first edition in 1962 and Mexican teams lifting the trophy 38 times overall. The winner of this year’s tournament will earn a spot in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup next year. Monterrey’s impressive victory over Inter Miami highlights the strength of Liga MX teams in the regional competition and sets up an exciting semifinal clash against Columbus, the reigning MLS champions. Messi’s return was not enough to turn the tide in Miami’s favor, as Monterrey showcased their superiority on the night.
Inter Miami will have to regroup and learn from this defeat as they continue their campaign in other competitions. Monterrey’s performance not only secured their spot in the semifinals but also served as a reminder of the quality and depth of talent in Mexican club football. The CONCACAF Champions Cup remains a prestigious tournament for clubs in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, offering a pathway to international competitions such as the FIFA Club World Cup. As the competition progresses, the intensity and excitement are sure to build, with Monterrey setting the bar high with their dominant display against Inter Miami in the quarterfinals.
