Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was called a "possessed dwarf" with the "face of the devil" by Monterrey assistant coach Nico Sanchez when the two teams squared up in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final last week.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi was called a "possessed dwarf" with the "face of the devil" by Monterrey assistant coach Nico Sanchez when the two teams squared up in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final last week. Although Messi did not take part in the first leg 1-2 defeat at the Chase Stadium, he alongside Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Inter Miami coach Tata Martino, clashed with opposition players and coaches in the tunnel after the match. In the wake of the arguments between the two sides, an audio has been leaked through FOX Sports MX where Sanchez can be heard saying some nasty language concerning Messi. “The dwarf was possessed, he had the face of the devil. He put his fist next to my face and says: ‘Who do you think you are?’ But because I didn’t look at him, I was looking away, I never answered back, it made things worse," said Sanchez. "And Tata Martino, what a poor dummy, I had him in front of me telling me: ‘Fool, you going to cry? Fool you going to cry?’ What a dummy! All those videos, they probably erased them all because it leaves them looking bad. What they did was really serious. They want to dirty the pitch," he added. As the controversy snowballed with Messi fans targetting Sanchez and the Mexican team online, the assistant coach released a video and apologised to Martino. However, Sanchez did not mention Messi by name in his apology video. “Since I do not know the Inter coach, Gerardo Martino, and I referred to him in a disrespectful manner, and I apologise,” Sánchez said. “I am as Argentine as all of them and I will always defend my club. I’m here to show my face and take charge.” Also read | Lionel Messi-Hong Kong controversy: Fans to receive 50% refund after Argentine star missed friendly match What happened? Notably, the bust-up happened as Inter Miami players were left fuming after a number of decisions went against them in the match. Miami were shown six yellow cards and a red card while Monterrey picked up only three bookings. In the lead-up to the match, Monterrey head coach Fernando Ortiz said he was concerned about Miami receiving preferential treatment from the officials due to Messi's celebrity status. “Everything that surrounds Messi can lead to sporting and non-sporting decisions,” Ortiz said. “I am concerned about the environment, football is business, business does not go the way of Monterrey.” The second leg between the two sides takes place on Wednesday (Apr 10) with Miami travelling to Mexico to overturn the tie. With Messi available, Miami would be hopeful of snatching the tie, especially after the controversy that has ensued. (With inputs from agencies)

Lionel Messi called ‘possessed dwarf’ with the face of ‘devil’ by Monterrey coach

A tragic shooting incident killed six people, including two women, in the city of Monterrey in northeastern Mexico, reported AFP news agency.&nbsp;Monterrey is one of Mexico's major industrial and business hubs. It is home to numerous national and international corporations and has a strong presence in various sectors.&nbsp;

Monterrey is also known for housing rival drug gangs. The shooting comes at a time when Mexico is facing significant challenges related to drug trafficking and crime in recent years. The Mexican government has been engaged in efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.&nbsp;

The state prosecutor's office reported that the victims' bodies were found abandoned in a residential area, with most of them having their hands bound. Local residents alerted the authorities after hearing gunshots shortly after midnight.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/discovery-of-cocaine-in-white-house-library-prompts-secret-service-investigation-611984">Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation</a>

Situated approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the United States border in the state of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey is a thriving industrial hub that aims to capitalise on a fresh influx of foreign investments.&nbsp;

Tesla, the prominent electric car manufacturer, has intentions to construct a massive new factory near the city. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that this commitment was conveyed during his phone conversations with Elon Musk. Monterrey would become the third location for Tesla's facilities outside the United States, following the existing plants in Shanghai and near Berlin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-is-completing-mission-in-west-bank-says-pm-netanyahu-death-toll-in-jenin-rises-to-11-611977">Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11</a>

This initiative aligns with the growing trend of "nearshoring," where American companies establish production facilities closer to their domestic market.

<h2>Mexico's ongoing security challenges&nbsp;</h2>

Mexico has faced significant security issues, with over 350,000 murders recorded since the launch of a controversial military operation in 2006 to combat drug trafficking.&nbsp;Then-President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug trafficking organisations operating in Mexico. The operation aimed to confront and dismantle these criminal groups to restore security and reduce drug-related violence in the country.

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The majority of these killings have been attributed to organised crime.

Recently, Hector Joel Villegas, the security minister in the violence-plagued state of Tamaulipas, survived a gun attack. Following the incident, authorities have heightened security measures, and Villegas resumed his duties on Tuesday, reported AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A tragic shooting incident killed six people, including two women, in the city of Monterrey in northeastern Mexico, reported AFP news agency. Monterrey is one of Mexico's major industrial and business hubs.

A tragic shooting incident killed six people, including two women, in the city of Monterrey in northeastern Mexico, reported AFP news agency. Monterrey is one of Mexico's major industrial and business hubs. It is home to numerous national and international corporations and has a strong presence in various sectors. Monterrey is also known for housing rival drug gangs. The shooting comes at a time when Mexico is facing significant challenges related to drug trafficking and crime in recent years. The Mexican government has been engaged in efforts to combat drug trafficking and organised crime. The state prosecutor's office reported that the victims' bodies were found abandoned in a residential area, with most of them having their hands bound. Local residents alerted the authorities after hearing gunshots shortly after midnight. Also Read | Discovery of cocaine in White House library prompts secret service investigation Situated approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the United States border in the state of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey is a thriving industrial hub that aims to capitalise on a fresh influx of foreign investments. Tesla, the prominent electric car manufacturer, has intentions to construct a massive new factory near the city. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that this commitment was conveyed during his phone conversations with Elon Musk. Monterrey would become the third location for Tesla's facilities outside the United States, following the existing plants in Shanghai and near Berlin. Also Read | Israeli military is ‘completing mission’ in West Bank, says PM Netanyahu; death toll in Jenin rises to 11 This initiative aligns with the growing trend of "nearshoring," where American companies establish production facilities closer to their domestic market. Mexico's ongoing security challenges Mexico has faced significant security issues, with over 350,000 murders recorded since the launch of a controversial military operation in 2006 to combat drug trafficking. Then-President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug trafficking organisations operating in Mexico. The operation aimed to confront and dismantle these criminal groups to restore security and reduce drug-related violence in the country. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones × The majority of these killings have been attributed to organised crime. Recently, Hector Joel Villegas, the security minister in the violence-plagued state of Tamaulipas, survived a gun attack. Following the incident, authorities have heightened security measures, and Villegas resumed his duties on Tuesday, reported AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Mexico: Six killed in shooting in Monterrey industrial hub

As the investigation continues into the mass shooting that occurred at a Monterey Park dance studio late Saturday night, a prominent member of the community with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce believes the suspect's possible motive may be related to a domestic dispute.

Police probes 'jealousy angle in U.S. mass shooting incident

A 72-year-old gunman killed himself when approached by police on Sunday, about 12 hours after he had carried out a Lunar New Year massacre at a dance club that left 10 people dead and another 10 wounded.

Journalist Ray Locker talks about Monterey Park shooting incident

Spain's Garbine Muguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired injured from her first WTA singles final in three years.

Second seed Muguruza was leading the match between the two former world number ones 6-1, 3-1 when Azarenka decided she was unable to continue because of an injury to her right leg.

"It's unfortunate I couldn't give my best today, but I tried my hardest," a tearful Azarenka, who had not previously reached final since the birth of her first child in December 2016, said at the presentation.

"I want to say thank you to my son Leo, who is not with me here. I would love him to be here to share this with me because it is special."

The crowd responded with a chant of "Vika! Vika! Vika!".

Muguruza's victory never looked in doubt and ensured that the record run of different women winning WTA titles this season would be extended to 16 tournaments.

The former French Open and Wimbledon champion broke the pained Belarusian three times in the first set and again in the fourth game of the second.

"It's a great feeling to come back and defend a title," Muguruza said in a courtside interview. "It's never easy."

Azarenka received treatment on her leg during a medical time-out between sets, but it became apparent as the second set began that her movement had become significantly hampered.

Azarenka was grimacing and stretching after nearly every point and, after Muguruza broke for a 3-1 lead, the two-time Australian Open champion decided to call it quits.

The Belarusian had entered the final full of hope after surprising top seed Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in Saturday's semi-finals.

Azarenka had won her only previous meeting with Muguruza in the round of 16 at the Miami Open in April 2016, when she went on to win the title in her most recent final before Sunday.

Spain's Garbine Muguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired injured from her first WTA singles final in three years.

Spain's Garbine Muguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired injured from her first WTA singles final in three years. Second seed Muguruza was leading the match between the two former world number ones 6-1, 3-1 when Azarenka decided she was unable to continue because of an injury to her right leg. "It's unfortunate I couldn't give my best today, but I tried my hardest," a tearful Azarenka, who had not previously reached final since the birth of her first child in December 2016, said at the presentation. "I want to say thank you to my son Leo, who is not with me here. I would love him to be here to share this with me because it is special." The crowd responded with a chant of "Vika! Vika! Vika!". Muguruza's victory never looked in doubt and ensured that the record run of different women winning WTA titles this season would be extended to 16 tournaments. The former French Open and Wimbledon champion broke the pained Belarusian three times in the first set and again in the fourth game of the second. "It's a great feeling to come back and defend a title," Muguruza said in a courtside interview. "It's never easy." Azarenka received treatment on her leg during a medical time-out between sets, but it became apparent as the second set began that her movement had become significantly hampered. Azarenka was grimacing and stretching after nearly every point and, after Muguruza broke for a 3-1 lead, the two-time Australian Open champion decided to call it quits. The Belarusian had entered the final full of hope after surprising top seed Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in Saturday's semi-finals. Azarenka had won her only previous meeting with Muguruza in the round of 16 at the Miami Open in April 2016, when she went on to win the title in her most recent final before Sunday.

Garbine Muguruza retains Monterrey title as injured Azarenka retires

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