Lionel Messi was unable to help Inter Miami get their first win of 2024 until he was taken off in the second half. A return after 15 years to the Cotton Bowl proved exultant for Dallas FC after Inter Miami conceded a goal very early on. The Texas-based club proved its mettle to its fans, after a poor turnout with just over 35% attendance.

FC Dallas, who made the MLS Playoffs last season, was a stern presence against the Herons, despite losing on penalties last time in the Leagues Cup. However, today’s 1-0 scoreline in favor of Nico Estevez and Co. told a different story.

The crowds in Dallas turned surprisingly cold for the preseason game, with just 32,211 out of the 90,000 seats being filled. The Dallas fans are usually used to the Toyota Stadium, but a change to the Cotton Bowl with gloomy weather, low temperatures, and a busy Monday evening kept them at bay. Meanwhile, the game instantly provided a reality check for David Beckham‘s club as the hosts netted a goal in just the 3rd minute. Their Designated Player, Jesus Ferreira, buried a great finish to the bottom left of the goal, beating Drake Callender and leaving Inter Miami in shambles. The Herons never seemed to recover afterward.

With a couple of changes to the starting XI, with Gregore and Cremaschi out, Inter Miami tried to fight back in the first half and faced a couple of uneasy chances. But Luis Suarez, who has been suffering from leg issues since last year, found it difficult to finish looking depleted of the mojo he once possessed. Even Lionel Messi could not find momentum as his passes did not find the right gaps.

The first half only saw a downslide for Miami as two of their players were penalized for fouls. Meanwhile, FC Dallas lost their goal scorer, Ferreira, in the 40th minute due to an injury. However, Inter Miami was unable to use it as an advantage in the second half.

Lionel Messi and Co.’s lack of being clinical has started hurting Inter Miami

The second half, however, saw nothing different for Inter Miami except for the Uruguayan striker looking a bit drained out. The team was not able to fight back, only creating minor chances, which led Tata Martino to call Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez off in the 64th minute. The next set of players, Gregore and Campana, injected a bit more energy, but the game ended in a lone-goal defeat for the Herons.

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The Florida-based team has some issues to solve, as their attack does seem to lack the cutting edge needed to win games. The club will travel for an upcoming tour to Asia with important matches and will need to sort out their options. The club is close to signing Agustin Palavecino from River Plate. He may prove an effective replacement for Facundo Farias, who will be away due to his ACL injury against El Salvador.

What were your thoughts on today’s game? Let us know in the comments below.

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