Argentine Fernando ‘Tano’ Ortizcoach of the Mexican Monterrey, admitted this Thursday that He had an altercation with his compatriot Lionel Messi after a match against Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
“What happened is going to stay there, I am not going to give a statement regarding that.“, he explained upon arrival in the city of Monterrey, which in 2026 will be one of the three venues for Mexico in the men’s World Cup, which the United States and Canada will also organize.
After the first leg of the quarterfinal series, which the Rayados won 1-2 at Miami’s home, The local press leaked an argument between Messi and Ortiz, in the locker room of the Inter stadium.
According to reports, Messi rebuked the coach for statements that Ortiz made prior to the duelin which the strategist suggested that The arbitration could favor the Argentine star’s team.
Due to the alleged fight, the Mexican media assured that The Rayados filed a complaint with Concacafsomething that Ortiz said he was unaware of.
“What happened is going to remain there, I am not going to give any statement about the things that are being talked about. I am not able to report on the complaint. I’m not going to talk about it, It’s something that arose there and my intentions were always the best.“, he claimed.
In the first leg, played last Wednesday, Miami fell 1-2, after a comeback by the Rayados.
Messi did not play the first match of the series due to an injury and still in doubt to see action in the return duel, which will be played next Wednesday at the BBVA stadium, home of the Rayados.
Keep reading:
· Fernando Ortiz fears that Monterrey will be harmed by Lionel Messi
· “I want to face him”: Fernando Ortiz sent a message to Lionel Messi
· After complaints from Lionel Messi, Monterrey formally complains to Concacaf
· Did Lionel Messi face Tano Ortiz? What is known about the alleged crossing and Rayados’ annoyance over the deal in Miami