Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are a game away from qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final for the first time. Mexico’s Monterrey hosts them in the second leg of the quarter-finals on Wednesday at the Estadio BBVA. It would be a Herculean task for Miami to topple the Mexican side on the road. Messi and Co. must overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of the CONCACAF knockout tie. Besides, Monterrey boasts a rich CCC history, with five titles in its cabinet. The Herons, on the other hand, are featured in the competition for the first time.

Monterrey has previously appeared five times in the QFs of the competition and they have got past the stage on all of those occasions. Furthermore, the side has not lost the last eight of their CONCACAF ties played at home. The Liga MX side will face Inter Miami fresh off a domestic loss against Cruz Azul. Thanks to Leo Messi’s return, the South Florida club managed a draw against Colorado in their last MLS tie.

Drama peaked in the first leg of the Monterrey-Miami game. Miami’s David Ruiz was red-carded in the second half. Reduced to ten men, the Herons conceded two goals in the last 21 minutes. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba lamented the refereeing decisions. Messi verbally confronted Rayados’ coach, Fernando Ortiz, forcing their entourage to file a complaint against Miami. Hence, the second leg would also see these fiascos get a closure.

Monterrey vs Inter Miami: injuries and expected lineups

Monterrey injuries

Rayados has their defender Cesar Bustos on their injury list. Bustos sat out in the first leg to nurse a muscle injury. He is yet to recover and hence will remain absent in the second leg. Monterrey has not reported any other injury.

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Monterrey: expected starting XI

(4-2-3-1): Esteban Andrada; Rodrigo Aguirre, Victor Guzman, Hector Moreno, Gerardo Arteaga; Luis Romo, Carlos Rodriguez; Maximiliano Meza, Sergio Canales, Jesus Manuel Corona; Brandon Vazquez.

Inter Miami injuries and the latest update on Messi

Lionel Messi contracted a hamstring problem in the Ro16 Champions Cup game against Nashville SC. He was sidelined for four straight games, including the first leg against Monterrey to nurse the injury. However, the Argentine returned off the bench in the second half against Colorado and scored within minutes. So he is expected to start in the upcoming decisive game against the Mexican side. “He is fine. He felt good after playing 45 minutes last Saturday. We still have today’s practice, but apparently the injury is behind him,” said Tata Martino, referring to Messi.

Meanwhile, Miami has Federico Redondo, Ian Fray, Facundo Farias, and Robbie Robinson on their injury list. David Ruiz, who picked a red card in the first leg will also be absent for Wednesday’s clash.

Inter Miami: expected starting XI

(4-3-3): Drake Callender; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Nicolas Freire, Jordi Alba; Julian Gressel, Sergio Busquets, Diego Gomez; Leonardo Campana, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

Monterrey vs Miami: prediction

Lionel Messi’s return is a boost to the Herons’ frontline. But it is dubious if the Miami side has the firepower to overcome Monterrey, which has not seen a home loss in the last eight CCC games. Therefore, we predict the game to end in a 2-2 scoreline, with Monterrey winning 4-3 on aggregate.

Where to watch the CONCACAF QF

The Monterrey-Inter Miami tie will kick off at 10.30 PM ET. Fans can watch the match live in English on FS1 and in Spanish on TUDN.

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Share your predictions for the game in the comments below.