A Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami surrendered a one-goal lead at home to Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals first leg match.
The Argentine could only watch helplessly from the stand as his side lost to the Mexican side.
The match started on Thursday morning with Inter Miami taking the lead through Tomas Aviles in the 19th minute.
The United States side went down to 10 men after David Ruiz received his second yellow card in the 65th minute.
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A short one means Monterrey will continue to push for an equaliser and that paid off as Maximiliano Meza pulled one back via a corner in the 69th minute after Inter Miami’s keeper had initially made the first safe.
Jorge Rodriguez then scored a beautiful second to put Monterrey in front in the 88th minute. However, the playmaker will miss the next game at home after picking up a yellow card.
The win means, Monterrey take a goal advantage over to Mexico and Inter Miami will hope for the 8th time Balon d’Or winner, Messi to perform magic to turn the game around.
Recall that the away goal rule still stands in the CONCACAF.
