Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas in a pre-season friendly on Monday before setting off on a busy international tour.
After a disappointing 0-0 draw against El Salvador on Friday, Miami had another disappointing performance in rainy, chilly conditions at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
With Miami behind 1-0 after 64 minutes, Argentine superstar Messi, as well as former Barcelona colleagues Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, were substituted.
During his time on the field, Messi created a few opportunities, the best of which was a rasping 30-yard volley that Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes parried early in the second half.
The World Cup-winning Argentine great nearly set up Suarez for the first goal in the first half, but the Uruguayan’s shot with the outside of his right boot went wide.
Dallas, meanwhile, seized the advantage after three minutes thanks to Jesus Ferreira, who held off Miami defender Noah Allen before smashing a low angled drive into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Drake Callender.
Monday’s encounter was the second in a global tour of pre-season friendly for Miami as they prepare to begin the new MLS season against Real Salt Lake on February 21st.
