Inter Miami OUT of the Champions Cup – and next year’s Club World Cup in the United States – after 3-1 defeat in Monterrey as Lionel Messi fails to inspire his team to the Mexico’s victory under the eyes of David Beckham

Lionel Messi’s first start since returning from injury was the only thing Inter Miami fans will be happy about on Wednesday night, as they were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Mexican side Monterrey.

Messi had been out since March 13 with a hamstring injury, before appearing as a substitute last weekend against the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami entered the Champions Cup quarterfinals with just two unanswered goals to advance to an All-American semifinal against the Columbus Crew.

By being eliminated by Monterrey, Inter Miami will also not participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 which will take place in the United States.

Messi played for the full 90 minutes of the match in his first start in a month.

United States men’s national team forward Brandon Vazquez scored the first goal of the match.

United States men’s national team forward Brandon Vazquez scored the first goal of the match in the 31st minute on a horrific mistake by compatriot Drake Callender, who essentially passed the ball to his opponent from six yards out .

Monterrey doubled its lead in the evening in the 58th minute on a German Berterame screamer.

Jesus Gallardo scored Monterrey’s final goal of the night in the 64th minute.

After Jordi Alba received a red card in the 78th minute, Inter Miami made sure not to leave Mexico scoreless, adding a consolation goal in the 85th minute from Diego Gomez.

Gomez’s goal was Inter Miami’s only shot on goal of the entire competition.

The winner of Columbus-Monterrey will face the winner of Pachuca-Club America in the cup final.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami return to MLS action this weekend with a Saturday night clash against Sporting Kansas City.

The game will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.