Lionel Messi made his first start since returning from injury but was unable to conjure up any magic for Inter Miami, as they were eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Mexican side Monterrey in a crushing 3-1 loss.

Messi had been out since March 13 with a hamstring injury, prior to a scoring appearance as a substitute last weekend in the 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami entered the Champions Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday only needing two unanswered goals to advance to an All-American semifinal against the Columbus Crew. Instead, they crashed out 5-2 on aggregate on a deeply disappointing night with co-owner David Beckham watching on from the stands.

But by being eliminated by Monterrey, Inter Miami also will not play in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 taking place in the United States.