The upcoming game between Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami and Monterrey builds up to be one for the ages. Both teams will probably give everything with the CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals slot on the line. The Herons are facing a 1-goal deficit heading into the game and will need to bring their A-game if they want to turn things around. With the pressure on an all-time high, the match official for the game will presumably come under scrutiny with fans questioning his every step. However, it seems like Ivan Barton is ready for the job!

Barton is a part of the elite panel of match officials, selected for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The 34-year-old has experience of managing tight games, with the match official handling previous appointments in the Champions Cup, including two finals. Barton also shot to the headlines after he became the first match referee to show Lionel Messi a yellow card following his move to Inter Miami. However, it doesn’t seem like he has a controversy-free tenure.

Following the match between Barton’s team and Inter Miami, Orlando’s head coach, Óscar Pareja, questioned him. Pareja accused the referee of being lenient towards Lionel Messi in his press conference. “There were a couple of fouls by Leo that deserved a second yellow card. I don’t care if it’s him – he should be measured by the same yardstick. Things should be fair, and what happened out on the pitch wasn’t,” claimed Pareja.

The game against Monterrey will surely test his resolve with things heating up between the two clubs. However, Ivan Barton has experience when it comes to overseeing games between Mexican and American clubs. Fans hope the referee ensures the game goes through without any untoward incident.

Will Ivan Barton bring his temper to Lionel Messi’s clash against Monterrey?

While the Salvadoran is known for his calm approach and handling things, there have been times when he has lost his calm. The CONCACAF Nations League semi-final between Mexico and the United States saw the referee dish out 4 red cards. Barton also came under fire for calling the game off early after the Mexican supporters refused to stop their derogatory chants despite multiple announcements over the speakers.

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The game between Monterrey and Inter Miami will see Barton assisted by David Morán and Henri Pupiro. It will be interesting to see how the trio of officials handle the game, with a lot at stake in the fixture. What are your thoughts on Ivan Barton’s experience heading into the CONCACAF quarterfinals? Let us know in the comments below.

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