Tata Martino explains how Lionel Messi will 'confront' Monterrey challenge after 'possessed dwarf' insult from Nico Sanchez as Inter Miami boss reacts to CONCACAF Champions Cup first-leg tunnel bust-up

Messi missed his side's 2-1 loss to the Mexican outfit in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final earlier this month, but was part of a group who clashed with opposition players and coaches after the game at Chase Stadium. Leaked audio has since surfaced where Monterrey coach Nico Sanchez allegedly calls the 36-year-old a “possessed dwarf” with the “face of the devil”. Now, Martino has spoken about Wednesday's second leg clash, how Messi is focusing on this contest, and downplayed the post-match fracas from the first leg.

The former Atalanta United boss told reporters: "When it comes to someone like him [Messi] and the way he competes the way he has on a professional level since being 16, 17 years old, he doesn't need any extra or special situation. He absolutely competes like this because he feels that way and the day he doesn't feel that way he will leave football. In the situation where he finds himself, or the league he plays in, in a friendly or decisive match, I don't think he will confront it any other way than competitively to his limit of possibilities. That's what we expect from the whole team, not just him."

When asked about the tunnel confrontation last time out, Martino replied: "Tomorrow's (Wednesday) game is so great and generates [excitement], from our side at least, so it's a shame to have to talk about things that aren't happening because of football. There's so much to talk about in regards to the game tomorrow, the preview and the post-match, so getting held up by things that aren't about football is not worth it and inopportune."

Messi was ruled out of the first leg due to a hamstring injury, something that has restricted his game time of late. However, the former Barcelona man played 45 minutes against Colorado Rapids in MLS at the weekend, scoring a superb goal, and the fact he is back fit is a massive boost for Miami as they aim to reach the semi-finals of the cup competition.

After this crunch CONCACAF Champions Cup clash, Messi's Miami - who are third in the Eastern Conference - return to MLS action on Saturday when they travel to Sporting KC, followed by a home clash against Nashville the next weekend.