The Argentine superstar sat out the Herons’ first meeting with Mexican opposition as he continued to nurse a troublesome hamstring injury. Messi was, however, able to return to action in a MLS meeting with Colorado – and found the target off the bench in a 2-2 draw.

With Inter Miami needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Monterrey in order to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, Martino has said when asked if Messi will be included from the off: “The idea is for Messi to start. He played 45 minutes [against Rapids], we know how difficult the next game will be. The most important thing is he came back, he felt good, he scored.”

Martino says his side will be focused on sporting matters against Monterrey, despite seeing their opponents lodge a complaint after Messi and Co angrily confronted the match officials and opposition coaching staff following a 2-1 defeat at Chase Stadium. Martino added on a contest that now has more riding on it: “No revenge. This has nothing to do with … I am not interested in all that. If we win, we win. If we lose, we come home and focus on the league. All the rest, the soap opera, that is not our focus.”