Inter Miami suffers first MLS defeat without Messi
- Lionel Messi did not play in the match against FC Dallas, as he was absent from the lineup.
- Inter Miami led by two goals at halftime but lost 4-3 as FC Dallas mounted a comeback in the second half.
- The defeat marks Miami's first MLS loss of the season and highlights the team's challenges without key players.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, Inter Miami faced FC Dallas in a Major League Soccer match without their star player Lionel Messi. Despite having a two-goal lead in the first half, Miami ultimately suffered a 4-3 defeat, marking their first loss of the season. The Argentine forward was absent from the roster, as he did not practice before the match and was attending the game from a private box due to an ongoing commitment in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Inter Miami started the match strong, with goals from Allen Obando and an own goal credited to Dallas defender Shaq Moore, but the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. FC Dallas scored three unanswered goals, including a decisive strike from Pedrinho in the 81st minute, completing a remarkable comeback that reminded fans just how quickly the tide can turn in professional soccer. The absence of Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba was felt keenly, as their presence could have made a significant difference in the outcome. Coach Javier Mascherano had hinted at lineup changes prior to the match, which contributed to Miami's lack of defensive stability in the second half. The loss dropped Miami's record to 5-1-3, yet they remain competitive in the Eastern Conference standings with 18 points. Following this setback, Inter Miami must regroup quickly with an important second leg CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal match against Vancouver on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Messi, who played the entire previous match against Vancouver, may return to the field, potentially reinvigorating the team's performance and morale as they aim to bounce back from this loss. The season is still young, and fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Miami navigates this challenging moment in their campaign.