Why was Lionel Messi and Tata Martino were angry at officials during Monterrey game?

Inter Miami stars were seen in a rare outburst

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi and manager Tata Martino were angry at the officials after their shock 2-1 loss to Monterrey in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals. Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba also got involved as tensions flared at the Chase Stadium at full-time.

According to Fox journalist Fernando Schwart, Messi and his teammates barged into the referee’s office to remonstrate some of the decisions that were made during the game, while also confronting Monterrey coach Tano Ortiz for his pre-match comments about Miami.

Ortiz insinuated that MLS referees seem to favor the Herons over other sides, as he said:

“Everything that surrounds Messi can lead to sporting and non-sporting decisions being made. Obviously, I don’t know if it will harm us, but the business is not for us. Sportingly, we are going to win. Afterwards, I can’t handle other things.”

Messi didn’t play in the match as the Argentine is currently working his way from a hamstring injury, but was present at the stadium to watch his side play. He later got into an altercation with Monterrey’s players and match officials, with teammates Suarez and Alba also getting involved.

In response, Monterrey have requested the CONCACAF to probe the incident. The Mexican outfit and Inter Miami meet for the second leg on Wednesday.

Inter Miami hoping for Lionel Messi’s return for second leg

Inter Miami are hoping to have Lionel Messi back for the crucial second leg next week. The Herons have a one-goal deficit to overturn and stand a chance of keeping their progression hopes alive. Messi has begun the 2024 campaign on a positive note, netting five times and bagging two more assists from five appearances in all competitions. His return will be a huge boost for the Herons, who have struggled in his absence.

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