Inter Miami are set to host FC Dallas in a 2025 MLS season matchup, with the home side looking to bounce back after a midweek defeat. However, fans were left surprised when star player Lionel Messi was absent from the final squad list.
The Florida side suffered a tough 2-0 loss on Thursday against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. With only one week to prepare for the decisive second leg, Lionel Messi is not playing the match against Dallas to rest and be fully fit for the return game against Vancouver.
Messi played the full 90 minutes in the first leg, serving as one of Inter Miami’s main attacking threats, though he struggled to get on the scoresheet. Speaking to the media on Saturday, head coach Javier Mascherano addressed Messi’s condition following the game:
“Messi finished Thursday’s game in good condition. Obviously, he was fatigued — playing on synthetic turf can cause even more fatigue, mainly because of the surface — but he finished the match well,” the coach stated.
Messi’s absence will be felt, as Inter Miami will be missing one of their most impactful players this season. Between MLS and Champions Cup play, the Argentine star has featured in 12 matches, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.
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Beyond Messi’s absence, Inter Miami’s squad announcement brought more surprises. Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba were also left out of the squad, while Sergio Busquets will start on the bench against Dallas.
Ahead of the game, Mascherano discussed the likelihood of rotating the lineup following Thursday’s demanding match: “There will surely be changes to the team because, beyond the fact that the most important thing after suffering a defeat is to have good feelings and win the next match, we know what’s at stake for us on Wednesday.”
Mascherano also emphasized the quick turnaround between matches. “It’s one thing to play every three days; it’s another to play with less than 72 hours of rest,” he said, sliding the idea that Messi’s absence was a precaution to avoid additional fatigue ahead of a crucial week for the club.
