Islamabad, 28 April 2025: Inter Miami endured a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat against FC Dallas on Sunday, throwing away a two-goal lead while star player Lionel Messi watched helplessly from a suite at Chase Stadium.
Messi, along with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Oscar Ustari, was rested for the match as the club prioritised the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup semi-final.
Despite a strong start by a largely second-string side, Miami could not hold on and suffered their first league defeat of the season.
Coach Javier Mascherano admitted after the match that mistakes in reading the game had cost them.
He explained that for the first 60 to 65 minutes, his team had performed well, rallying from behind to take control.
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However, when Dallas shifted to a five-man attack while trailing 3-2, Mascherano said he made substitutions to match them, a decision he later regretted as it disrupted Miami’s rhythm.
Early goals from South Florida locals Fafa Picault and Allen Obando helped Miami recover from an eighth-minute opener by Dallas’ Shaq Moore.
David Martinez added a third goal in the second half, raising hopes of a comfortable win.
However, defensive errors allowed Dallas to level the match within five minutes, with goals from Osaze Urhoghide and Anderson Julio.
The situation worsened when Pedrinho found the net in the 81st minute, completing the visitors’ stunning comeback.
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Chants for Messi echoed around the 20,000-strong crowd, but the Argentine could only watch the collapse unfold.
Mascherano took responsibility, stressing that while the attacking play was effective, the defensive organisation fell apart.
He also praised the young players who stepped up, noting that many had not played significant minutes this season.
Inter Miami now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 5-1-3 record. Attention quickly turns to Wednesday night’s critical second leg against Vancouver in the Champions Cup semi-final, where Miami must overturn a 2-0 deficit to stay in contention for a spot in the final.
Mascherano urged his team to approach the upcoming match with belief, insisting they have “nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
