Monterrey filed a formal complaint with Concacaf against Inter Miami regarding verbal exchange between Messi and Monterrey coach Fernando “Tano” Ortiz. The complaint also mentioned Inter Miami players Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, who supported Messi in the dispute, according to Mexican media reports. Audio was leaked of Monterrey assistant coach Nico Sanchez describing the scene referring to Messi as “the dwarf,” saying the Argentine star had a “devilish face” and lifted his fist as if he wanted to punch the coach.

The clash was apparently fueled by an Ortiz interview in the days leading to Wednesday’s game insinuating that the officiating would be biased in favor of Inter Miami because Messi is on the team and he drives business.

What Martino says about the clash with Monterrey

Martino had declined comment on the incident all week, saying his team is focused on the match, not on “the telenovela” (soap opera) that surrounds it.

Asked about it again on the eve of the match, Martino said: “It’s a shame that with such a big game ahead of us against a great opponent that we should have to talk about these off-field things. For me, it is not worthwhile.”

Martino, who coached the Mexican national team for four years before being fired in 2022, has faced harsh criticism from fans and media in that country. A reporter asked if he expected a hostile reception. He said: “I am just a supporting actor in the game.”

Finally, Martino was asked if Messi seemed extra motivated to play Wednesday because of the situation last week, he replied: “Leo has been competing the same way since he he was 16 or 17 years old. He does not need any extra motivation. In the situation he is in, in the league he is in, I don’t expect him to do anything but compete at the highest level, at his maximum capacity, every game.”

Liga MX has dominated MLS in Champions Cup

Miami, playing in its first Champions Cup, is facing a Rayados team with loads of experience. It is the Mexican team’s sixth appearance in the quarterfinals, and the club has advanced to the semis on the five previous occasions.

Monterrey has lost just once to an MLS team in the knockout stage, 1-0 at Atlanta United in the 2019 quarterfinals.

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