CF Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz has claimed he wished Lionel Messi was fit enough to feature for Inter Miami last night.
The Argentine superstar missed his fifth straight game through injury as Inter Miami threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 against Monterrey in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League series.
With David Ruiz being sent off just past the hour mark with Inter Miami missing a number of players through injury, it was a game to forget for the Herons in Florida.
Monterrey manager claims he wanted Lionel Messi to play for Inter Miami
However, speaking to the Miami Herald, Monterrey manager Ortiz made the surprising claim that he wanted Messi to play, with the Argentine coach hopeful his fellow countryman is fit for the return leg.
Given how good the 36-year-old forward is, Ortiz making this demand is more than unusual, especially with Messi a player who could turn this tie on it’s head if he is fit enough to start next week in Mexico.
Ortiz said when asked about Messi’s absence for Inter Miami last night: “We were hoping he would play; I have said and will say again he is the best player in the world of all time.
“He couldn’t be here. Hopefully, he will be there for the return leg and we can enjoy him, and do what we have to do to advance to the next round.”
Fernando Ortiz could regret his words if Lionel Messi is fit next week
There’s an obvious thrill for opposing managers in facing Messi and having the chance to beat the greatest of all time at his own game.
Yet for Ortiz, the Monterrey manager’s comments could easily come back to haunt the Liga MX coach if Messi is fit to start next week and goes on a one-man mission to save Inter Miami’s Champions Cup campaign.
We have seen time and time again what Messi is capable of, and if the forward is back from injury soon, Monterrey could be in for a bad day at the office if the Argentine brings his A game.