Inter Miami crash out of CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals

Monterrey from Mexico dealt a blow to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami by knocking them out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a 5-2 aggregate win in their quarter-final match on Wednesday.

Brandon Vazquez, German Berterame, and Jesus Gallardo scored goals to secure a well-deserved 3-1 victory for the Liga-MX side.

As a result, they will now move on to the semi-finals where they will face the Major League Soccer champions, Columbus.

In the previous week's first leg in Florida, Inter Miami found themselves trailing 2-1. In an attempt to turn the tide, they included Argentine superstar Messi in their starting line-up for the first time since his recent injury absence.

However, despite Messi's presence, Inter Miami struggled against a Monterrey side that displayed superior performance in all areas of the game.

Inter goalkeeper Drake Callender made an early save after a powerful header from Monterrey's US international striker Vazquez.

Messi had a promising opportunity in the first half but unfortunately shot over the bar from inside the area.

Monterrey took the lead in the 31st minute when Vazquez capitalized on a mistake by Callender, who misjudged a pass intended for Sergio Busquets and allowed Vazquez to score just yards away from the Miami goal.

The American calmly selected his position, deceived Callender with his shot, and skillfully scored the goal.

Following that, Inter Miami struggled to create any significant opportunities, although Luis Suarez, Messi's former teammate from Barcelona, had a goal disallowed for being offside just before halftime.

In the 58th minute, Monterrey further increased Miami's difficulties with a brilliant goal from their own Argentine striker, Berterame. After a precise build-up,

Berterame evaded his marker near the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.

Six minutes later, Berterame turned into an assist provider, lofting a cross to an unmarked Gallardo, who perfectly timed his header to score.

Miami's night took a turn for the worse on the 78th minute when former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba received his second yellow card for stamping on Gallardo, resulting in his dismissal.

Diego Gomez managed to score a consolation goal for Miami in the late stages of the game, heading in Messi's well-placed free-kick in the 85th minute. However, it was too little, too late for the MLS club.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the primary regional club competition for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The winner of this year's tournament will secure a spot in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup next year.

Mexican clubs have been dominant in the Champions Cup, with Guadalajara winning the inaugural edition in 1962 and lifting the trophy a total of 38 times.