What is Lionel Messi’s record against Mexican clubs? Has he ever played against Monterrey?

Argentina captain Messi will hope to continue his fine run against Mexico opposition versus Rayados but is a doubt after a recent injury.

Inter Miami will go into the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against Monterrey looking to take a lead into next week’s return clash in Mexico, which will decide who qualifies for the semi-finals.

The question on everybody’s lips ahead of Wednesday’s game at Chase Stadium is whether Lionel Messi will be fit to play. The Argentina captain has returned to training and looks to have left the worst of his muscle problems behind him, although Herons coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has said he will make a late decision on his talisman.

If the 36-year-old does ultimately feature, he will face Mexican opposition for a sixth time in his career, with his previous appearances coming while playing for Barcelona and, despite only joining last summer, Inter Miami.

Of the previous five matches, there have been only two competitive fixtures, in addition to three friendlies.

Messi’s first match against a club from Mexico came in 2006, when Barcelona played out en entertaining 4-4 draw against Club América at Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium) in Houston. Then 19, the Argentine came on in the 62nd minute but didn’t find the net.

Three years later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner faced Chivas, this time in San Francisco. Messi played the first half of the friendly but also failed to score as his team were held to a 1-1 draw.

The Barça legend then played his first competitive game against a Mexican adversary at the end of 2009 when the LaLiga giants played Atlante in the semi-finals of that year’s FIFA Club World Cup. The Liga MX side took a surprise early lead but Messi was among the