Inter Miami return to action today, January 22, when they take on FC Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. The game will serve as a preseason friendly for both teams ahead of the 2024 MLS season, with Lionel Messi expected to take all the limelight.
The Herons come from a goalless draw with El Salvador, in which the Argentine star only played the first half. Apart from Leo, Gerardo Martino decided to rest former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the second half.
While this will be just the second friendly of a packed preseason tour for Inter Miami, Dallas will play its first game of the year today. Last year, Nico Estevez‘s team finished 7th in the West, before losing to the Seattle Sounders in the postseason.
Inter Miami’s lineup
Martino said before the El Salvador trip that the first two preseason matches were quite close to each other, so it’s unclear how much playing time he’s planning to give the Inter Miami stars. Messi and all the veteran stars will play from the beginning, but chances are the coach will rest them in the second half.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup: Callender, Yedlin, Kryvstov, Aviles, Allen, Alba, Gressel, Busquets, Ruiz, Messi, Suarez.
FC Dallas’ starting XI
With stars such as Paul Arriola (captain) and Jesus Ferreira, the FC Dallas’ first starting eleven of the year will try and upset Messi and company.
FC Dallas’ confirmed lineup: Paes, Ibeagha, Tafari, Junqua, Endeley, Fraser, Illarremendi, Sealy, Ansah, Arriola, Ferreira.