Inter Miami CF assistant coach Javi Morales addressed reports of an incident involving Lionel Messi in the Monterrey locker room after their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal clash, emphasizing that the focus should be on the game itself.
Despite rumors of Messi’s alleged confrontation, Morales stressed the significance of the match’s outcome and the need to perform well on the field. He highlighted the intensity of Cup matches and the challenge of facing strong opponents like Monterrey, especially after Miami went down to 10 men during the game.
Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat against Monterrey in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Speculation arose regarding the reported incident with Messi, potentially linked to statements made by Monterrey head coach Fernando Ortiz before the game, where he downplayed Messi’s influence and emphasized the need for his players to treat him like any other opponent.
Morales briefly addressed the situation, acknowledging the diverse opinions in football but refraining from delving deeper into the matter. However, Miami confirmed Messi’s return to the roster for their upcoming MLS clash against the Colorado Rapids, indicating his improving condition after dealing with a right hamstring issue for nearly a month.
Regarding Messi’s participation in the upcoming match, Morales emphasized the importance of monitoring his progress and making decisions based on his fitness level. While Messi’s return to training was a positive sign, Miami’s priority was ensuring his well-being before considering his role in future games, including the second leg against Monterrey.
Alongside Messi’s situation, Morales discussed the careful management of other key players like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, considering the team’s busy schedule with multiple games within a short period. Miami’s coaching staff aimed to maintain open communication with the players to make informed decisions about their involvement based on their physical condition and overall readiness.
Despite the looming fixtures and the significance of the Champions Cup quarterfinal, Miami remained focused on their immediate challenge against the Colorado Rapids, prioritizing the well-being of their players and making decisions accordingly.
With a cautious approach to player management and a competitive position in the Eastern Conference table, Miami aimed to maintain its momentum while ensuring the fitness and readiness of its key personnel for upcoming challenges.
