'Created a monster' - Alexi Lalas claims 'p*ssed off' Lionel Messi may cause chaos for CF Monterrey in Mexico with Inter Miami

The Argentine was reportedly part of a group that clashed with Monterrey boss Nico Sánchez postgame after Rayados' leg one win over the Herons. Following the result, though, leaked WhatsApp audio from the opposition coach shared that he labeled Messi a 'possessed dwarf' with the 'face of a devil.'

Now, heading into leg two - where the Argentine is expected to play after missing the previous match - pundit Alexi Lalas has argued that Monterrey have created a 'monster' with their tactics against the Argentine in the buildup to the match.

On his State of the Union Podcast, Lalas argued that Rayados may have played the wrong cards with talking smack in the buildup to leg two of their match.

"A pissed off Messi, going down to Mexico after what's happened, be careful because you might have created a monster," he said.

After missing four matches across all competitions in March into early April due to a hamstring injury, Messi made a triumphant return off the bench at the weekend, inspiring Inter Miami with a goal and a secondary assist in an intense draw with the Colorado Rapids.

Now, he's back and in contention to start Wednesday evening in Monterrey, in a match where Lalas is clearly expecting the World Cup winner to shine.

Leg two of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie arrives Wednesday evening in Mexico. The Herons will look to overcome a two-goal deficit as they look to advance to the semifinals and book a date against the Columbus Crew.