On Monday night, one No. 10 made an impression on Dallas soccer fans. However, it wasn’t Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. Instead, it was Jesus Ferreira, a top player for FC Dallas, who scored three minutes into the preseason game at Cotton Bowl Stadium on Monday night, ending Messi and Inter Miami’s hopes of winning 1-0.
After two scoreless preseason games in El Salvador and Dallas, Inter Miami has one week until their next encounter on their global tour.
Before being replaced, Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and newcomer Julian Gressel—who won an MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew the previous season—played the opening 64 minutes of the game for Inter Miami. The Fluminense lads endure but secure their first triumph in Carioca
Messi and Suárez undoubtedly gave off the impression of two former teammates who were naturally aware of one another’s whereabouts while they were on the field. However, neither player’s pass to set up the other for a shot on goal was successful enough to alter the score or bring back memories of their heyday with FC Barcelona for soccer fans.
During the game, Messi missed three shots on goal, and Suarez missed three as well. During one of those misses, Messi made a fantastic ball beyond the penalty area, but Suarez had to stretch and twist his body to get it.
In the 87th minute, Messi, with long sleeves beneath his black Inter Miami jersey, made his way off the field and toward the locker rooms while waving to the supporters who had braved the rainy, 40-degree evening to watch him play.
It was very different from the thrilling match that Messi and Inter Miami played against FC Dallas in August of last year when Messi scored the equalizer in the 85th minute to help Inter Miami overcome deficits of 3-1 and 4-2. With a 5-3 advantage on penalty kicks, Inter Miami defeated FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup competition match. 49ers supporters brave the wind and rain during the playoff matchup with the Packers.
Rather, it was Messi and Inter Miami’s second preseason match. Inter Miami has a busy schedule leading up to and including the 2024 MLS season.
When is Messi’s next Inter-Miami game?
After arriving home on Monday night, Messi and Inter Miami will have four days before departing for a lengthy preseason tour that includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
Preseason action for Inter Miami will next take place in Tokyo on February 7 and Hong Kong on February 4. The team’s last preseason match will take place on February 15 at DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at home against Newell’s Old Boys (time TBA).
What to know about the February 1 meeting between Messi and Ronaldo
As Messi and Ronaldo prepare for what may be their final match, soccer fans everywhere are excited. The game will be televised on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass.
In the Riyadh Season Cup, Inter Miami will play two matches: on January 29th against Al Hilal and on February 1st against Al Nassr. In the first match, Messi will play rival Cristiano Ronaldo, potentially in the final meeting of their storied careers. Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba: the new Inter Miami stars make their joint debuts against El Salvador
At the Riyadh Season Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1, Messi’s Inter Miami takes with Ronaldo’s Al-Hilal. Additionally, when the contest was initially announced, the event organizers marketed it as “The Last Dance.”
The encounter will further exacerbate the intense global discussion about whether soccer player—Messi or Ronaldo—is the best in the world.
Inter Miami will travel more than 25,000 miles throughout the preseason.
For the next three weeks, Messi and Inter Miami will visit Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Tokyo as part of their global preseason tour.
When does the regular season of Inter Miami start?
At DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 21, at 8 p.m. ET, Messi and Inter Miami will take on Real Salt Lake in the 2024 Major League Soccer season opener. On February 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET, the team will play an away match against the Los Angeles Galaxy to cap up the MLS opening weekend.
For additional information on Messi’s anticipated 2024 schedule, which includes games for Inter Miami and Copa America, go to this link. Griezmann shines as Atletico Madrid gets its Copa del Rey back after losing to Real Madrid
64′: FC Dallas 1, Inter Miami 0; Messi departs.
The other stars from Inter Miami have also exited the game, including Leo Messi, whose night has ended.
After losing 1-0 against FC Dallas, Leo Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and newcomer Julian Gressel all left the field in the 64th minute of play.
They had one final shot toward the net before they were out.
Messi to Robert Taylor to Messi to Suárez was the order in which the ball went, but it was stopped at the net.
In the 55th minute, Messi fails to make a left boot; FC Dallas 1, Inter Miami 0.
Just before the 55th minute, Leo Messi lined up a shot attempt just outside the area, but the Dallas goalie stopped his left boot.
As their second preseason game enters the second half, Inter Miami’s stars are undoubtedly finding their groove and getting over their early rust.
How much longer Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba play in this one will be interesting to see.
After two minutes, Suárez was following down the middle when Alba failed to cross the ball. Inter Miami received an offside call.
FC Dallas 1, Inter Miami 0 at halftime thanks to Messi and Inter Miami’s players.
Perhaps there is a shortfall.
Perhaps it’s because Inter Miami’s next preseason game in Saudi Arabia is one week away. However, Inter Miami’s Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are on the field to start the second half.
FC Dallas 1, Inter Miami 0 at the half
After Dallas star Jesus Ferreira scored three minutes into Monday’s preseason game at Cotton Bowl Stadium, Miami’s tempo and style of play undoubtedly picked up.
Throughout the first half, Leo Messi and Luis Suárez connected on multiple passes, but neither was able to strike the back of the net.
The fate of the Inter Miami big four—Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—in the second half remains to be seen. Last Friday in El Salvador, they played their first preseason game, although they did not play in the second half.
However, with a 1-0 deficit, Inter Miami may start the second half with its best players.