Ex-Monterrey Star Rogelio Funes Mori Explains Why He Wouldn’t Have Booed Lionel Messi

Last week, CF Monterrey eliminated Inter Miami in their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal tie. Rayados secured a 3-1 second-leg victory over the MLS side, but one of the side stories was the treatment of Lionel Messi. 

The Monterrey crowd booed the Argentine every time he touched the ball during the match. A quick summary of why the supporters were so hostile was due to the reported altercation Messi and Co. had with Rayados’ coaches and management after the first leg. 

 In a conversation on “Faitelson Sin Censura,” former Monterrey striker Rogelio Funes Mori commented on his feelings about the boos towards Messi. The Argentine noted that he wouldn’t have booed or whistled at the former FC Barcelona standout.

“No, I wouldn’t have booed Messi,” Funes Mori told TUDN’s David Faitelson. “Obviously, it’s part of football culture. It happens on all pitches. Booing is normal, but afterward, it’s just a game.”

The reason why Funes Mori would not boo? He’d rather take in history, as Messi playing at Estadio BBVA was the 36-year-old’s first official match in Mexico, and considering his age and the possibility of Inter Miami not qualifying for the Champions Cup next season, this might be the only time Messi plays in the country that isn’t a friendly of some sort. 

“It could be the first or last time Messi goes to that stadium,” Funes Mori added. “It’s something historic for Monterrey. I wouldn’t have booed him.”