Fans were stunned as Inter Miami was held to a draw by the 14-seeded MLS team, New York City FC. However, the Herons have no time to dwell on the disappointing result. Up next, is a crucial encounter in CONCACAF Champions Cup against Liga MX side, Monterrey. Playing in their first-ever Champions Cup, a victory in the quarter-finals could further cement the Miami-based club’s reputation as a club on the up. However, their form without Lionel Messi hasn’t been great (1 win in 4 matches) and there are still question marks on his availability.

On the other hand, Monterrey is in incredible form and sits on top of the league with 28 points. However, the team is just coming off from their first defeat of the calendar year. Hence, it could be the perfect opportunity for Tata Martino & Co to play them. Before we get into predicted lineups, let us look at the latest injury updates.

Team and Injury News

For Inter Miami, the elephant in the room is the fitness of Lionel Messi. Having been out of action since March 13, the playmaker was expected to return against Monterrey. However, Martino’s latest update confirmed that Messi’s participation is still uncertain. New signing Federico Redondo also picked up an injury that will probably rule him out for 8 weeks! Other unavailabilities for the Herons include Facundo Farias, Benjamin Cremaschi, Ian Fray, Robbie Robbinson, and Nicolas Freire.

Monterrey certainly fares better in the injuries department and has pretty much a full squad to choose from. The only significant absentee is center-back Axel Grijalva, who has torn his lateral knee ligament.

Inter Miami vs Monterrey: Expected Lineups

Inter Miami predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Callender (GK); Weigandt, Aviles, Sailor, Alba; Busquets, Ruiz, Gomez; Gressel, Taylor, Suarez

Monterrey predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Andrada (GK); Medina, Moreno, Guzman, Arteaga; Romo, Rodriguez,Canales; Meza, Gallardo,Vazquez

Read More: “You’re Allowed to Win Without Messi “- Inter Miami’s Second Disappointing Result Without Lionel Messi Sparks Fan Outrage After Draw Against New York City

Match Prediction

With Lionel Messi unlikely to be risked, and considering how the Herons have fared recently without them, Monterrey looks like the favorites. As such, we predict a 3-1 victory for the Liga MX side.

Inter Miami vs Monterrey: When and where to watch

The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final between Inter Miami and Monterrey kicks off on April 3rd at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT at Chase Stadium, Florida. The US soccer fans can watch the match on Fubto TV, TUDN, and Fox Sports 1. In the UK, the match will be broadcast on Concacaf Go.

With Lionel Messi potentially unavailable, can Inter Miami better the team with the most points in Liga MX? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

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