Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz has admitted that Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi could be a determining factor in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The 36-year-old forward has missed Inter Miami’s last four matches after suffering a hamstring injury last month, though Messi is reportedly in line to feature tonight against Monterrey.
The Champions Cup has been labeled as a priority for Inter Miami at this stage of the season, and Messi’s fitness could be crucial if the Herons are to go all the way in the competition.
Manager says Lionel Messi could determine Inter Miami’s progress vs Monterrey
And speaking to Goal, Monterrey manager Ortiz has admitted that Messi could be a determining factor in tonight’s opening leg, with Monterrey taking on Inter Miami in Florida.
Ortiz said: “It’s not just the players of names like [Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Messi], the entire team worries me, not just one name in particular.
“Miami is a very interesting team, they reached the same round as us. Those players are ones that have shown interest on an international level, but all of Miami worries us.
“I don’t think we are the favorites. It’s going to be a close game that can be determined in the details. I think whether Messi plays or not will be a determining factor, but I trust my players.”
Lionel Messi fitness will determine Champions Cup series
Messi’s fitness has been a major talking point ever since the forward joined Inter Miami, with the attacker a true difference-maker for the Herons when not featuring for the Florida franchise.
And heading into tonight’s clash, Messi playing even ten minutes for Inter Miami could be all it takes for the Herons to gain a major advantage against Monterrey in the Champions Cup.
As we know, this is a competition the Herons are taking seriously, and a win tonight will be huge in Inter Miami’s quest to become the champions of North America.