CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP
Inter Miami forced to reset as focus now turns to winning MLS Cup
The MLS side were outclassed in the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Monterrey over two legs and must now turn their attention to the domestic league.
A comprehensive 5-2 aggregate win for Rayados de Monterrey in the quarter finals of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup ended the dreams of Herons fans in their first venture into continental cup competition.
Over both legs, the Liga MX team were the better side and even the return of Lionel Messi to the team along with the other former Barça stars (Alba, Suarez and Busquets) was not enough for the MLS side to really trouble the side from Nuevo Leon.
Jordi Alba’s late dismissal epitomised a frustrating evening for the Florida side after the defender was awarded a second yellow card in the 78th minute with his side trailing 3-0 on the night.
MLS Cup becomes the priority
The Herons have little time to lament their CONCACAF Cup exit as they face Sporting Kansas City this weekend in their ninth MLS game of the 2024 season. As things stand, Tata Martino’s men sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with 12 points from their opening eight games of the campaign.
Lionel Messi’s fitness will be pivotal in Inter Miami’s ultimate success with the opening phase of the tournament seeing the Argentine miss the bulk of the games due to a persistent muscular issue. Miami will also have to do without the striker from Rosario for the bulk of June and July as the veteran striker will join up with the Argentine national side and as things stand, the Heron’s must make do without their talisman for potentially eight MLS matches.
The Copa America (2024) kicks off in Atlanta on 20 June with the final scheduled to be held on 14 July in Miami with Argentina pitted in Group B where they will face Peru, Chile and Canada.