Monterrey star German Berterame has made a claim about Lionel Messi after facing the Inter Miami star for the first time last night.
The 36-year-old attacker was far from his best as the Herons fell to a 3-1 defeat, with Messi and Inter Miami failing in their quest to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup and to book their ticket for next year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Whilst Messi won praise from the likes of Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz, it was a night to forget for the Argentine and Inter Miami, who will be kicking themselves for not getting the job done in Mexico and failing to win this year’s competition.
However, for Monterrey attacker Berterame, the game could not have gone more perfect for the 25-year-old.
German Berterame details ‘beautiful’ experience facing Inter Miami’s Messi
Speaking to FOX Sports MX after scoring the goal of the night in the second half, Berterame detailed how ‘beautiful’ the experience was to face Messi for the first time in his career.
With the Argentine only playing in Mexico a handful of times throughout his career, last night saw many Monterrey players face the Inter Miami star for first time, an experience that the likes of Berterame will never forget.
The Argentine attacker said: “It is something beautiful. As I previously said, this is the first time I faced Messi, the best in the world, and being able to see him and to get a sense of how he plays is something I am proud of.
“I enjoyed it a lot. I tried to get Messi’s shirt, but it was very difficult to reach him. I’m happy I got to enjoy the same pitch as him.”
Herons need to be better prepared for next year
From errors at the back to Jordi Alba losing his temper, last night could not have gone any worse for Inter Miami had the Florida franchise tried.
The Herons were outplayed by Monterrey in a game that could have sent a message to all of North America had Inter Miami turned up and played with the professionalism that you’d expect from the likes of Messi.
And next year, Inter Miami simply have to be better, with the Herons the makers of their own downfall last night in Monterrey in a result that will feel like a huge wake-up call for Tata Martino and his coaching staff.