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Lionel Messi Brandon Vazquez splitGetty Images
Jacob Schneider

VIDEO: Brandon Vazquez books a date with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami! USMNT striker scores game-winner for CF Monterrey over ex-club FC Cincinnati to advance in CONCACAF Champions Cup

B. Vazquez
L. Messi
Inter Miami CF
FC Cincinnati
Monterrey vs FC Cincinnati
Monterrey
CONCACAF Champions Cup

USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez scored for the second consecutive Champions Cup game to book CF Monterrey a spot in the next round.

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  • Rayados defeat FC Cincy 3-1 (aggregate)
  • Vazquez scores winner in each leg
  • Monterrey to clash with Miami in quarterfinals

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Vazquez found the back of the net in the 67th minute to ice the game, making it 2-1 to the Mexican side, and 3-1 on aggregate. He scored the winner in each leg for Rayados, putting his ex-club FCC to bed each time. Now, with the victory, he's rewarded with a match against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the quarterfinals of the region's marquee competition.

  • WATCH THE CLIP

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The 25-year-old, who narrowly missed out on the 23-man USMNT roster for their CONCACAF Nations League roster this March, added his eighth goal in 13 appearances for Rayados since his January arrival. He's been on fire in Mexico, and now, will have his eyes on a leaky Inter Miami defense in the next round.

    The Herons "biggest weakness," Vazquez will look to exploit their backline, but what they lack defensively, they can attribute for up top. Monterrey will have to handle the attack of Messi and MLS-leading scorer Luis Suarez, with a midfield pivot of Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets behind them. The biggest question looming moving forward, though, will be the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's injury status.

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  • Lionel Messi Inter Miami CCC 2024Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR VAZQUEZ AND MESSI?

    The Inter Miami superstar will have time to recover, however, with the next round of the Champions Cup not arriving until April 2 and 9. Although time and location for the home and away legs has yet to be determined, there is a period of recovery available. As for Vazquez and Rayados, they will look to continue their incredible form into the weekend when they clash with Atlas in Liga MX action.