Monterrey midfielder Luis Romo claims the Mexican side did something last night that surprised Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
The Herons were no match for the Mexican giants last night as Inter Miami crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Lionel Messi starting for the Florida franchise for the first time in well over a month.
Despite claims from pundits that Messi would receive a warm reception, the Monterrey fans hounded the Argentine superstar for the majority of the match, with Inter Miami and MLS once again being embarrassed on the continental stage by a Liga MX side.
And one Monterrey star now thinks the Mexican club managed something that surprised both Messi and Inter Miami.
Messi and Inter Miami caught off guard by Monterrey’s respect
Speaking to FOX Sports MX, Mexican international and Monterrey midfielder Romo claimed that Inter Miami and Messi weren’t given the respect or support they expected last night, with the home fans giving the MLS franchise an intimidating reception.
Given the huge amount of support Inter Miami have acquired in away games since Messi’s arrival, there was an expectation that Monterrey would follow suit, yet the Mexican side delivered what might have been the most hostile welcoming the Herons have experienced yet.
Romo said when asked about how Monterrey managed to deal with Messi and Inter Miami last night: “Messi made them candidates [for the Champions Cup], but we as a collective also are candidates.
“Today the goal was accomplished, we didn’t give Messi the respect or support he expected and we showed the world what we are capable of.”
Herons should have prepared better for last night’s game
MLS sides traveling to Mexico has always been a traditionally hard fixture over the years, with the Columbus Crew this year breaking the status quo with a shock win against Tigres UNAL.
Yet for Inter Miami, they should have been better prepared for what was to be expected at Monterrey, a club famed in North America for their intense home support and incredible displays.
As a result, Inter Miami’s Champions Cup dream is now over, with Messi and company now unlikely to feature in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup, something few would have expected.