Despite just adding Luis Suarez to their offensive, Inter Miami lost their first game of 2024 in a tied battle against Dallas, an opponent they had previously faced in the Leagues Cup and MLS 2023. went back to see Messi.

The opposition took the lead in the third minute following the blow of the opening whistle for Inter Miami. When Inter Miami’s defense was disoriented, Jesus Ferreira was able to break through Drake Callender’s net from a well-coordinated situation in the middle.

Messi and his colleagues instantly found their motivation again and resumed playing with enthusiasm even though they were behind. Inter Miami’s roster included four players from Barcelona, therefore they were always putting pressure on opponents.

Sadly, despite having a ball possession rate of up to 69% and finishing six times and three times more than the opposition, the last finishing step proved ineffective.

Messi played for about 65 minutes, but he was unable to contribute to Inter Miami’s victory.

Messi and Suarez were kept in the starting lineup following the interval in the hopes of tying the score. However, during the first fifteen minutes of the second half, this attacking combination was most effective when the team attacked as a whole. 

When Busquets and the two were taken off the field to recuperate, Inter Miami’s offense was virtually nonexistent.

Dallas attempted a counterattack in the 82nd minute and nearly increased the score with three straight attempts, but Inter Miami’s defense held firm.

Inter Miami lost to Dallas

Messi’s team was held to a draw in the first match of the year by El Salvador

Inter Miami ultimately fell to Dallas 0–1. Messi and his teammates had a poor record after two 2024 preseason games, with one tie and one loss.

Inter Miami will visit Saudi Arabia to play Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the forthcoming series. Specifically, on January 30, at dawn, they will play Benzema’s team; three days later, they will play Ronaldo’s team.