Messi and Inter Miami Suffer Preseason Loss to FC Dallas

In a preseason match at Cotton Bowl Stadium, soccer fans in Dallas witnessed FC Dallas star Jesus Ferreira steal the show as he scored just three minutes into the game, leading to a 1-0 loss for Inter Miami, who had Lionel Messi in their lineup. The match featured several big names, including Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Julian Gressel, but they failed to make a significant impact on the scoreboard. Messi missed two shots, while Suárez missed three opportunities, reflecting their struggle to find the back of the net and recreate their Barcelona glory days.

This encounter was a far cry from the thrilling Leagues Cup tournament match between Inter Miami and FC Dallas in August, where Inter Miami staged a comeback and Messi scored the equalizer. Nonetheless, it was an important second preseason game for Inter Miami, who have a hectic schedule ahead of the 2024 MLS season. Messi and his teammates will now return home before embarking on an extended preseason tour in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, where they will compete in the Riyadh Season Cup against Al Hilal and Al Nassr teams.

Messi and Inter Miami’s stars played until the 64th minute before being substituted out, with no goals to show for their efforts. Despite some promising passes between Messi and Suárez, they were unable to convert them into successful scoring opportunities. Inter Miami’s playing style and chemistry are still a work in progress, but the team is gradually finding its rhythm. Although they were 1-0 down, there is a possibility that the star players might return to the pitch early in the second half to try and turn the tide.

The match saw FC Dallas’ standout player Jesus Ferreira make his mark, scoring the only goal of the game before exiting the pitch due to an apparent injury. Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callendar, made a crucial save, preventing FC Dallas from increasing their lead. Despite their best efforts, neither Messi nor Suárez could find the back of the net, with their shots either being saved or missing the target.

The upcoming Riyadh Season Cup match between Inter Miami and Al Nassr promises to be an intense battle, and it has been promoted as a potential final faceoff between Messi and his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. This match will further ignite the ongoing Messi-Ronaldo debate, fueling discussions about who is the best player in the world.

Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, has been meticulous in managing the playing time of his star players during the preseason, ensuring their fitness and availability for the upcoming season. This priority holds true for both Inter Miami and FC Dallas, as they aim to keep their key players healthy and ready for the challenges ahead.