Key Highlights:
Messi Misses Out as Inter Miami vs FC Dallas Ends 4-3 in MLS Stunner
In the high-stakes Inter Miami vs FC Dallas clash on April 27, 2025, fans were stunned by Lionel Messi’s absence from the lineup. Inter Miami’s unbeaten Major League Soccer (MLS) run came to a screeching halt with a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Toyota Stadium.
Head coach Javier Mascherano made the tough call to rest several key players, including Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, citing fatigue and a strategic focus on upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup matches.
Why Lionel Messi Did Not Play Against FC Dallas
The decision to leave Messi out of the squad stemmed from the taxing midweek fixture against Vancouver Whitecaps, where he played a full 90 minutes on synthetic turf. The recovery window—less than 72 hours—was deemed insufficient.
Mascherano explained:
“After the intense match in Vancouver, the priority is the health of our players. We’ve got crucial games ahead, and pushing them now could be risky.”
Messi, who has been in scintillating form this season, was left out purely for rest and precaution—ending speculation of any injury concerns.
FC Dallas Capitalizes on Miami’s Rotated Squad
Without its iconic trio, Inter Miami lacked its usual firepower and control in midfield. FC Dallas seized the opportunity, launching a spirited offensive to hand Miami their first league loss of the season.
Key match highlights:
- FC Dallas opened scoring early and maintained pressure
- Inter Miami equalized twice but could not hold the momentum
- Final score: FC Dallas 4 – Inter Miami 3
Despite goals from young talents, Miami’s defense showed signs of strain without the leadership of veterans like Busquets.
Focus Now Shifts to Concacaf Champions Cup
The club’s decision to rotate the squad signals the growing importance of their continental ambitions. The second leg against Vancouver Whitecaps looms large, with qualification on the line.
This calculated squad management hints at Inter Miami’s broader vision—to excel not only in MLS but also make a mark internationally.
What This Means for You
If you’re a fan or fantasy football player, Messi’s omission underscores the need to track fixture congestion and squad rotation. It also points to Inter Miami’s evolving strategy—balancing domestic consistency with international glory.
What Happens Next
As Inter Miami regroups for their Concacaf Champions Cup battle, the return of Messi, Suárez, and Busquets will be critical. Meanwhile, FC Dallas will look to build on this momentum in their MLS campaign.
All eyes now turn to Messi’s return, as the MLS calendar heats up in May.
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