CF Monterrey star and former Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Canales has detailed how he feels facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami tonight.
The former Spanish international will face off against his former La Liga rivals later today in what will be a massive match for both Monterrey and Inter Miami, with Messi reportedly set to start for the Herons having returned from injury.
The current record Liga MX transfer, Canales has an accomplished career in Europe having played for the likes of Madrid, Real Sociedad and Real Betis, as well as La Roja at senior level.
Sergio Canales details how he feels facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami
And speaking to the Athletic, Canales has now given his thoughts on facing Messi and Inter Miami, with the midfielder admitting that he is surprised that he gets to take on the greatest in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, of all competitions.
Canales said when asked about facing Messi: “It’s great as I wasn’t expecting to face him again while I was here. We could’ve met in last year’s Leagues Cup but we were eliminated before the final.
“And now, on the one hand, I’m happy for the city of Monterrey and for this club because it’s an important moment when players like Messi — the best of all time — (Sergio) Busquets, (Luis) Suarez and (Jordi) Alba visit as I’d put them in the top three, top four all time in their respective positions.
“It’s going to be a very demanding match. I’ve been following them from here and they’re very motivated to win. Players like that are unforgiving and they’re still playing at a very high level.”
Inter Miami will want to show their quality tonight vs Monterrey
Inter Miami have a mountain to climb tonight if they’re to book their ticket in the Champions Cup semi-finals, with Monterrey one of the best teams left in the competition.
The five-time Champions Cup winners will not go down without a fight tonight, and Inter Miami will have to be at their best if they’re to past this latest test.
However, with Messi back to full fitness, anything is possible this evening for Inter Miami, who could enjoy a historic night in Mexico with a famous win against Monterrey.