Inter Miami faced a challenging situation as they prepared for their Major League Soccer match against FC Dallas on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, the team had to navigate the complications of a tight schedule and player fatigue.
Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba were not included in the matchday roster, while Sergio Busquets started on the bench. This significant absence of key players was largely due to the short recovery time following their recent match, which ended past midnight on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Miami time. Mascherano expressed his concerns about the physical toll on the players, stating, "One thing is to play every three days, which most of our players are used to; another thing is to play with less than 72 hours of rest after a game." He pointed out that the team had a six-hour flight back to Miami, complicating their recovery.
Despite the setbacks, Inter Miami remained in a competitive position within the Eastern Conference, just four points behind the leaders and with two games in hand. For the match against FC Dallas, Mascherano hinted at changes to the starting lineup to cope with the fatigue of his star players. Reports indicated that Messi and Suárez missed the first 15 minutes of training on Friday, April 25, 2025, which further suggested their limited roles in the upcoming game.
In their previous encounter against the Whitecaps, Messi had played the entire match, and although he finished well, Mascherano noted that he was fatigued, particularly after playing on synthetic grass, which can exacerbate fatigue. "Messi ended the game well. Obviously, he was fatigued, playing on synthetic grass can make a player even more fatigued due to the floor," said Mascherano. This led to speculation about Messi’s involvement in the MLS match, as fans hoped to see their star player return to the pitch.
As the game approached, Inter Miami's lineup reflected the adjustments made by the coaching staff. Young talents Benjamin Cremaschi and Yannick Bright were given more minutes, having shown promise in previous matches. The starting eleven for Miami included Drake Callender as captain, Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Maxi Falcon, David Martinez, Fabrice Picault, Cremaschi, Bright, Leo Afonso, and Allen Obando.
FC Dallas, on the other hand, maintained a consistent lineup, led by coach Eric Quill, who showed confidence in his core players despite recent results. The Dallas squad featured Maarten Paes in goal, with a defensive lineup including Shaq Moore, Sebastien Ibeagha, Oaaze Urhoghide, and Nolan Norris. Midfielders Kaick and Ramiro supported an attacking front featuring Anderson Julio, Show, Luciano Acosta, and Logan Farrington.
The match began with a tense atmosphere as both teams aimed to secure vital points. Miami fell behind early, with Shaq Moore scoring in the eighth minute, sending a powerful shot past the Miami defense. However, the home team quickly responded. Just eight minutes later, Fray delivered a brilliant cross, which Afonso initially shot, but it was Picault who capitalized on the rebound to score the equalizer.
Then, in a moment of brilliance, Obando scored after another well-placed cross from Fray, putting Miami ahead 2-1 at halftime. The young players' impact was palpable, energizing the crowd at Chase Stadium and giving the home fans hope.
Mascherano's strategy to rotate players paid off, as the younger members of the squad stepped up when it mattered most. The coach had emphasized the importance of winning this match, especially after the disappointing Champions Cup result. "Surely there will be changes in the team," he had said, stressing the need to recover from the defeat and prioritize the upcoming matches.
With the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal looming on May 1, 2025, Miami’s focus shifted to ensuring they were in the best shape to face Vancouver again. The stakes were high, as the winner of the Champions Cup not only earns $5 million but also qualifies for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
As the match progressed, Miami continued to demonstrate resilience, with the crowd rallying behind them. The players' determination was evident as they fought to maintain their lead against a formidable FC Dallas side, which had proven challenging in past encounters. Inter Miami had not won against Dallas in their last five meetings, making this match even more critical for their season ambitions.
Throughout the game, Mascherano's tactical adjustments and the youthful energy of players like Cremaschi, Bright, and Obando showcased a promising future for Inter Miami. The absence of veterans like Messi and Suárez was a setback, but it opened doors for emerging talents to shine.
As Miami prepared for the upcoming matches, including the crucial Champions Cup second leg, the team remained optimistic. The blend of experienced players and young talent could provide the right mix to propel them forward in their quest for success this season.
