FC Dallas Triumphs Over Inter Miami as Messi and Suárez Face Scoreless Stint
FC Dallas secured a 1-0 exhibition victory against Inter Miami CF at the Cotton Bowl on Monday night, leaving Lionel Messi and company without a goal for the second consecutive game in their extensive preseason world tour. Jesús Ferreira netted the lone goal, while Messi and Luis Suárez struggled to find their Barca magic.
Early Lead for FC Dallas
Jesús Ferreira provided the early breakthrough for FC Dallas, finding the net just minutes into the match and beating Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, at the far post. However, Ferreira’s celebration was cut short as he was subbed off before half-time due to an apparent injury.
Messi and Suárez Efforts Thwarted
Despite their star-studded lineup, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez failed to make an impact. Messi’s initial attempts were saved by FC Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi, with the World Cup winner’s third shot missing wide. Suárez, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate and MLS newcomer, had two shots on goal in the first half, both unsuccessful.
Struggles Continue in the Second Half
As the second half commenced, Messi and Suárez appeared out of sync, failing to recreate the magic from their Barca days. Manager Gerardo Martino made the decision to substitute both players just past the hour mark, acknowledging the need for adjustments.
FC Dallas Holds Strong
FC Dallas, with a history at the Cotton Bowl until 2009, withstood a flurry of shots early in the second half behind substitute goalkeeper Antonio Carrera. The Texan team showcased resilience, securing the victory against the star-studded Inter Miami.
Unforgettable Opportunity against Messi
FC Dallas President Dan Hunt expressed the magnitude of playing against Lionel Messi, stating it’s an “unbelievable opportunity” for the community in Dallas. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, had previously scored twice in Inter Miami’s comeback win against FC Dallas in their Leagues Cup showdown on August 6.
Upcoming Challenges for Inter Miami
Following their Dallas outing, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami head to Saudi Arabia for two matches, including a showdown against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. The team will then travel to Japan for two more matches before returning home for a friendly against Messi’s youth club, Newell’s Old Boys. Inter Miami kicks off its MLS campaign on February 21 against Real Salt Lake at DRV Pink Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In summary, FC Dallas’s triumph over Inter Miami adds another chapter to Messi’s journey in Major League Soccer. As the preseason unfolds, both FC Dallas and Inter Miami will be fine-tuning their strategies for the challenges that lie ahead in the MLS campaign. Stay tuned for more football action and highlights as these teams gear up for an exciting season.
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By- Sahiba Suri