Inter Miami suffered a tough loss in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. However, the team now prepares to face FC Dallas in the MLS. Despite the setback, Javier Mascherano’s team remains in strong form. They are just four points behind the Eastern Conference leaders and still have two games in hand. Therefore, winning this match is crucial to their ambitions for the season. For this reason, many fans hoped to see Lionel Messi in Inter Miami’s starting lineup.
Following the loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, Javier Mascherno confirmed that there would be changes to the starting eleven. “One thing is to play every three days. Most of our players are used to it, another thing is to play with less than 72 hours. We finished playing on Thursday at midnight in Miami and we’re on to play Sunday at 5 p.m. It’s not even 72 hours, with a trip of 6 hours…In the end, we rested yesterday morning. Now we will see. Surely there will be changes in the team,“ stated Javier Mascherano on press conference.
Besides, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi missed the first 15 minutes of training on Friday afternoon. Therefore, both players will be out of the squad for the game. In addition, Sergio Busquets trained separately on Friday. As a consequence, he will start the game on bench. However, Javier Mascherano made it clear that the game remains a priority. After their recent defeat, he stressed that winning against FC Dallas is crucial.
Inter Miami have struggled against FC Dallas. They have failed to secure a win in their last five meetings. With Dallas performing at a high level in recent games, the upcoming match promises to be a tough challenge.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano talks to Lionel Messi during a game in 2025.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup
Javier Mascherano announced several changes for Inter Miami. As a result, young talents Benjamin Cremaschi and Yannick Bright will see more minutes. Both players performed well in previous games and earned the coaching staff’s trust. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will be out the game given the heavy load they have carried this season.
see also
Lionel Messi fires back at Cristiano Ronaldo jabs from Vancouver Whitecaps fans after Inter Miami loss
With this in mind, Inter Miami will line up as follows: Drake Callender; Ian Fray, Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, David Martinez; Fabrice Picault, Benjamin Cremaschi, Yannick Bright, Leo Afonso; Allen Obando
FC Dallas’ confirmed lineup
Coach Eric Quill has shown that he trusts a specific core of players, despite the recent results. Therefore, FC Dallas will keep a similar lineup used in the last two games. Moreover, Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta will get plenty of minutes against Inter Miami. His excellent ball control could become a key factor in the match.
For that reason, FC Dallas will lineup as follows: Maarten Paes; Shaq Moore, Sebastien Ibeagha, Oaaze Urhoghide, Nolan Norris; Kaick, Ramiro; Anderson Julio, Show, Luciano Acosta; Logan Farrington.
