Messi Cheers Inter Miami’s Opening Goal vs Monterrey FC As He Sits Out CONCACAF Champions Cup QF

• Lionel Messi missed the game against Monterrey FC on Wednesday due to injury
• Tomas Aviles opened the scoring for the Herons with a goal in the 19th minute
• Messi and Inter Miami's coaches celebrated as they took an early 1-0 lead

No Messi, no problem for Inter Miami.

The Herons opened the scoring against Monterrey FC in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final.

The Argentine star was there to support his team, watching them on the sidelines after missing another game due to injury.

Messi cheers Aviles' opening goal

His absence didn't affect Inter Miami, who got off to a fantastic start thanks to Argentine youngster Tomas Aviles. He found the back of the net in the 19th minute after hitting a right-footed shot from a corner kick, per USA Today.

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He struck the ball perfectly, leaving the Monterrey goalkeeper with no chance to make the save.

Inter Miami celebrated like crazy after Aviles' opener, with cameras catching the coaching staff jumping for joy. Messi was also delighted with his compatriot's strike.

Inter Miami's record without Messi

The joy they showed after Aviles' goal was understandable given Inter Miami's recent struggles without Messi in their lineup.

Their record with Messi in the lineup since he joined the team last July has been phenomenal, recording 11 wins, six draws and just two losses in 19 matches played.

The same can't be said, though, when he's out of the lineup. They have won just twice in 11 matches, recording five losses and four draws when Messi is sidelined.

Messi was ruled out of the Monterrey clash in the CONCACAF Champions Cup because of an ongoing hamstring issue. He last played for Inter Miami on March 13 in the game against Nashville SC, per ESPN.

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Games where Messi recorded free-kick doubles

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi's free-kick doubles.

He has scored two free kicks in a game thrice in his storied career, all of which came during his time at Barcelona.

He accomplished those feats in the matches against Sevilla (2015 UEFA Super Cup), Espanyol (2018 La Liga), and Celta Vigo (2019 La Liga).