Monterrey Coach Puts Messi on a Pedestal Ahead of Club World Cup Dortmund Showdown

Monterrey Gear Up for Club World Cup Test, Messi Raised as the Exception

When Monterrey boss Domenec Torrent addressed the media ahead of the Club World Cup last-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund, he wasn’t interested in sugarcoating anything. Defensive work was his mantra. "Everybody must defend—all the time," he insisted. That is, unless your name happens to be Lionel Messi. For the Monterrey squad, there will be no off-duty superstars on the pitch when they face Dortmund, the German giants who recently played for Europe's top crown.

Torrent draws from his years working alongside Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. He knows the importance of *collective* grit against teams like Dortmund, who bring both skill and big-game nerves. Dortmund's resume isn't lost on anyone: a squad sculpted to handle Champions League finals can't be taken lightly by anyone—let alone a Mexican side hungry to make history.

This isn’t Monterrey’s first European test. Earlier in the tournament, they managed a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan—a result that showed they can compete with the best. But Borussia Dortmund presents something even more daunting: the chance for Monterrey to become the first Mexican club to topple European opposition at this stage. It's a shot at something truly special in their football story.

Torrent’s Focus: Mental Toughness, No Shortcuts

Monterrey players aren’t buying into hype just because American teams like Inter Miami have already bowed out. Torrent’s focus is sharper than ever: "Complacency is dangerous," he warned his squad. He acknowledges the psychological growth he says the team has undergone under his watch. That attitude has rubbed off. Forward Rogelio Funes Mori is quick to talk up how much stronger their mentality’s become since Torrent arrived—a big deal with Dortmund's crowd-pleasing attack looming on the horizon.

The Spanish coach’s tough stance is clear: only Messi earns the right to skip chasing back, and unless the Argentina legend is hiding in their locker room, everyone else is expected to chase, press, and hustle. "Fight for every ball," he told the team. There's no leaning on big names or public approval. Not even backing from Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero, who’s voiced support for Monterrey, is enough to distract Torrent or his players from the main event.

So, Monterrey goes in with a plan: stay alert, keep the intensity up from the Inter Milan game, and never let up. Facing a European finalist is about toughness, unity, and everyone pulling in the same direction, regardless of reputation or expectation. As far as Torrent is concerned, Monterrey can’t afford any passengers—not even if their name is Messi, unless, of course, he actually turns up.