FC Dallas - Inter Miami summary: score, goals, highlights, MLS Friendly
FC Dallas - Inter Miami: Live blog
FC Dallas secured a clinical victory at the Cotton Bowl as Inter Miami toiled in front of goal.
The addition of Luis Suarez was intended to bring some much-needed cutting edge to this Miami side, but it was Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira who delivered the crucial blow in the opening stages. Ferreira brushed through the Herons' defence and finished brilliantly to give his side the lead after just three minutes.
Inter Miami looked better than they had three days earlier against El Salvador, but still struggled to turn their possessional dominance into clear-cut chances. Lionel Messi had a snapshot from the edge of the box; Luis Suarez attempted a speculative volley; Leonardo Campana saw a firmly-struck effort saved.
But aside from that, Miami failed to break down an organised Dallas defence. It is, of course, just preseason, but with expectations so high Tata Martino would surely have wished for a more elevated performance from his side.
Messi missed opportunity to level
Inter Miami did not manufacture a great wealth of chances, but perhaps their best of the game fell to the man that they would have trusted in that situation.
With little over ten minutes on the clock Sergio Busquets slipped the ball through to Lionel Messi on the edge of the box, but his low finish was pushed wide by Martin Paes.
Another goalless outing for Messi and Miami.
When was the last time Inter Miami scored a goal?
Not recently. For the second consecutive game of their all-singing, all-dancing preseason tour, Inter Miami fail to score. They looked better on the ball against FC Dallas and managed to fashion some decent openings in the first half but allowed the game to drift in the second.
After also failing to score in their preseason opener against El Salvador, you have to go back to mid-November to find Miami's most recent goal. That came from Robbie Robinson, a late consolation in the 'Noche d'Or' game against New York City FC.
It won't yet be a concern, but with so much theoretical firepower at their disposal Tata Martino will be eager to see their offensive play click soon.
FC Dallas take the win against inter Miami
They surrendered possession for large parts of the game, but FC Dallas got the job done at the Cotton Bowl. One clinical finish from Jesus Ferreira, allied with some poor Miami defending, was enough to secure a win for the hosts.
Peeep peeeep peeeeeep
And that's all, folks!
Dallas end with a 1-0 win in their opening fixture of preseason, seeing off an Inter Miami side who are, without doubt, a work in progress.
We're into stoppage time now and the game is drifting to a one-goal victory for the hosts. Inter Miami have lost the rhythm from their first half play, and have also lost a few of the most talented players of their generation.
As we saw last season, Inter Miami can look a little short on ideas when their superstars aren't able to conjure something from nothing.
Jordi Alba curls in a low cross, rather aimlessly, from the left wing. Carrera strolls out to claim comfortably.
Big calls for an Inter Miami penalty as Robert Taylor is clipped by Carrera when running in on goal. It was probably a little soft and the referee waves away Miami's appeals.
The ball bounces to Gregore, around 30 yards from the Dallas goal. He let's fly but his short goes hopefully high over the crossbar.
We're approaching three hours of goal-less play for Inter Miami in the preseason now.
Interesting to see that Tata Martino has not switched from this wingback system in either game of preseason. It looks like that will be the formation for Inter Miami in 2024.
Good link-up play from Leo Camapana, who has looked eager to shows what he can do in this second half cameo.
So close!
Dallas nearly double their lead after a lightening-quick counter-attack that nearly fell at the feet of Pedrinho in the Miami box. The Herons defense flung bodies at the loose ball and, despite appeals for handball, manage to clear it to safety.
Interesting to see that Tata Martino has opted to keep Jordi Alba on the field until the late stages, with the other ex-Barça players were withdrawn 20 minutes ago. Alba's fitness is probably the best of the quartet, but Martino must be very confident in his condition to keep him out there.
The pace of the game is starting to slow now, due in part to the large number of substitutions used by both sides. The fluidity of Miami's first-half play has disappeared and they look a bit stop-start now.
Marco Farfan takes the free kick for Dallas but his curling delivery is well-claimed by Callender.
Farrington wins a free kick after a clumsy challenge by McVey.
Soon after, the Miami defender gives up another free kick, this time in a dangerous crossing position from the right.
Close! Inter Miami build down the left with Jordi Alba and whip a fierce ball into the box. Campana connects brilliantly with a volley but it's well-saved by Carrera.
The assistant's flag is raised for an offside in the build-up. Better play from Inter Miami, though.
Clever attacking play from Campana to nod a loose ball down to Jordi Alba on the left. Miami retain the ball and look to play in Yedlin on the left flank. The pass is a little overhit and Carrera claims easily in goal.
Kryvstov is caught on the ball and Dallas regain possession, taking advantage of a lapse in concentration from the Miami defender. The hosts are starting to gain control in the game now.
Garcia tries a speculative long-rage effort for Dallas, but Callender is easily equal to it.
A spell of good possession from FC Dallas, who have largely managed to keep Miami at bay so far. Ntsabeleng shows good composure to fend off some visiting forwards and get his team moving forward fown the left.
The superstars got 65 minutes today, up from the 45 that they managed against El Salvador. Martino is clearly eager not to overwork them but their performance level has been much better tonight.
And that will be the last involvement for Lionel Messi.
Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Gressel are withdrawn.
Stefanelli, Campana, Gregore and Sunderland replace them.
Neat turn from Jordi Alba to make space for himself on the halfway line and spread the play. Miami find Messi on the edge of the box but he can't quite make space for a shot and Dallas snuff out the opportunity.
Sharp spell of passing from Dallas gets them on the offensive and finds Pondeca in space on the edge of the Miami box. he strikes at goal but it's well-blocked by Allen.
Touch of frustration for Suarez as he fails to control a pass inside his own half. The 36-year-old striker is starting to look a little leggy now.
more good play from Inter Miami, but Tata Martino will be getting increasingly eager for a goal now. We are approaching 150 minutes of preseason soccer for Inter Miami, they are still yet to find the back of the net.
So close!
That really should have been a leveller for Inter Miami. Sergio Busquets plays a brilliant ball forward to Jordi Alba, who races onto the pass and squares it to Suarez in the middle. The Miami is still a yard off the pace and can't quite connect with the cross.
Fierce volley from Messi from the edge of the box. Paes reacts quickly to punch the ball wide and Inter Miami win a corner.
It looks like Robert Taylor and Messi are playing either side of Suarez, operating like narrow wingers in a fairly tight front three. Messi still has a license to drift around but this should prevent Suarez becoming isolated.
Busquets does well to work the ball out to Jordi Alba on the left flank. he aims a low cross towards Suarez in the middle but Paes intercepts easily.
Miami get players back to stem the tide and Dallas win a corner kick.
It's easily cleared by Inter Miami and the visitors are back on the ball.
Nearly an opening for Miami as Suarez pinches the ball back on the edge of the box, but his pass doesn't find a Miami shirt. Dallas win it back and are straight on the counter-attack...
Luis Suarez forces an error from Paes with some good pressing, winning a throw in for his side.
One change at the break for Inter Miami, David Ruiz is replaced by Robert Taylor.
Late challenge on Busquets as the Miami midfielder tried to skip through the challenges. Free kick to the Herons.
And we're back!
FC Dallas get the second half started. They lead 1-0...
Good news for those in attendance at the Cotton Bowl, Lionel Messi and the ex-Barça stars are out on the field for the second half.
Did he mean it?
Of course he did.
Lionel Messi nearly made headlines with a goal direct from a corner, catching Martin Paes off-guard in the early stages. The Dallas goalkeeper managed to keep the initial strike out of his goal and reacted sharply to snaffle the rebound.
It's best to avoid snap assessments in the preseason, but that opening 45 minutes at the Cotton Bowl was probably a decent account of where the Herons are at this moment in time.
They looked very good on the ball, fashioning some decent chances, but were a little rusty in front of goal. Messi and Suarez' relationship is clearly a major strength and they look very comfortable in possession.
The problem, however, is defensive. Jesus Ferreira scored the only goal within just three minutes after being allowed far too much time on the edge of the Miami box.
If the Herons are to become a genuine challenger in MLS, they need to address their defensive lapses.
Inter Miami connections starting to fire
It was far from perfect, but that opening 45 minutes from Inter Miami was a significant improvement on the stodgy performance against El Salvador last week. Busquets was ambitious and effective with his passing, Jordi Alba was proactive on the left flank and Suarez and Messi began to rekindle their Barcelona flame.
This, a delicate pass from Messi to pick out Suarez in the box, was probably the best that they conjured in the first half at Cotton Bowl.
Peep peeeep peeeeeeep
And that's the half. Dallas have the lead but Inter Miami looked good in parts, their big stars turning it on and looking dangerous.
Nevertheless, it's Dallas 1-0 Inter Miami at the break.
Busquets fires the ball out to Messi on the right flank but the Argentine loses the ball on the edge of the box. Dallas win it back and that could be the end of the half.
We're into stoppage time at the end of the first half now, just a minute or two left to play.
As half time approaches, everyone in the Cotton Bowl will be asking themselves one question: Will Tata Martino make substitutions?
In El Salvador last Friday all four former Barcelona players were withdrawn at the break. Will the same happen in Dallas?
Brilliant interplay from Messi and Suarez to slice through the Dallas midfield.
A few second later Messi is on the ball again and floats a beautiful pass over the Dallas backline, finding Suarez rushing in on goal. The Uruguayan stabs a foot at the ball but can't find the target.
Jesus Ferreira walks off rather gingerly and will not return to the field of play.
Ferreira is back on his feet but Dallas will not be taking any risks with their star man. The USMNT forward, who opened the scoring after just three minutes, is coming off.
Jesus Ferreira stands over a free kick, roughly 40 yards from goal, but overhits his delivery and it bounces out for a goal kick.
The Dallas captain immediately crumples over. He looks to be in pain, no idea what happened there.
Aggressive goalkeeping from Martin Paes, who storms out of his box to intercept a long ball forward toward Suarez. Inter Miami are lacking some pace up front, it's a bit too easy for Dallas to keep the game in front of them.
FC Dallas win a corner kick and Ferreira swings in a good ball, but no one is able to connect for his side. Miami get the ball clear.
Double change for Dallas as Ntsabeleng and Garcia enter the fray, Arriola and Sealy are withdrawn.
Brilliant diagonal ball from Lionel Messi finds Jordi Alba sprinting through on the left, but the offside flag is up as soon as the Spaniard connects with the ball.
In the opening half an hour at the Cotton Bowl, Lionel Messi has been playing as a midfielder when his side have the ball. He's taking the opportunity to drop deep and build the play, leaving space for Ruiz and Gressel to exploit further forward.
Dallas take the corner kick short and are pushed all the way back by Inter Miami.
A rare opportunity for Dallas, who get Illarramendi in space in the midfield and skips past a couple of challenges. he makes it to the edge of the box and forces a good save from Callender.
Corner kick to Dallas.
There's a brief pause in play as Kryvstov goes down holding his ankle. Doesn't look like anything serious, the Miami defender will be fine to continue.
Luis Suarez does well down the right to make space for a cross and he pulls a cross back to the edge of the box. Lionel Messi is in space at the D but is forced to stretch a little to connect with the ball and his volleyed attempt flies over the crossbar.
Goal kick Dallas.
Shouts for a Miami penalty as Messi goes down in the box.
The Argentine picked up the ball on the edge and surged forward, before stumbling in the tackle and losing possession. It did not look like enough for a penalty and the referee agrees.
Lionel Messi curls in a decent cross but a free kick is given against his side. Pushing in the box, the referee says.
Inter Miami win a free kick 35 yards from goal, fairly central. Lionel Messi stands over the set piece, eyeing up his teammates in the box...
Neat footwork from David Ruiz to spin away from a Dallas tackle and keep possession for his side. he combines well with Messi, 35 yards from goal, but the Miami youngster is eventually squeezed out by Dallas shirts.
FC Dallas have had little of the ball but they are fairly punchy out of possession, making it difficult for Miami to play through the central areas.
Tomas Aviles
The Inter Miami defender is booked for a cynical foul in the middle of midfield.
Jesus Ferreira hooks in the resultant free kick but it's slightly too long for Ibeagha to connect.
Inter Miami are looking much more composed after a good spell of possession, Messi dropping deep into the midfield to help build the play. It looks like Gressel is being encouraged to push forward from center midfield to fill the space vacated by the wandering Messi.
ICYMI: Ferreira goal puts Dallas ahead
It took just three minutes for FC Dallas to strike against Inter Miami, doing so with their only real foray forward in the opening 15 minutes. Clinical striker's finish from Jesus Ferreira, sub-par defending from Inter Miami.
Two more chances in quick succession for Inter Miami.
Luis Suarez is denied after being muscled out by Dallas defenders. Then, just seconds later, David Ruiz gets on the ball on the edge of the box and fires a 20-yard strike into the side netting.
Miami are behind, but are looking much sharper than they did against El Salvador.
Messi takes the resultant corner kick but it's cleared by Paes.
Inter Miami come straight back at the hosts and Suarez wins another corner kick.
Chance! Inter Miami
Good high press from Inter Miami and Busquets takes full advantage, firing a loose ball through to Lionel Messi in the penalty box. The Argentine spins and shoot on goal but Paes manages to push the ball wide.
Good play from Miami.
Messi takes the corner kick but it's a touch over-hit and bounces out for a goal kick on the far side.
Inter Miami win a free kick on the left flank, Messi and Gressel stand over it.
Messi steps forward to take the kick but the delivery is, uncharacteristically, poor and easily cleared.
The visitors come straight back and Messi forces a corner kick with a clever pass.
So close for Inter Miami!
Messi has a corner kick on the right and swings in a brilliant delivery, nearing catching Paes off his line. The Dallas keeper manages to keep the ball out and Miami can't convert as the rebound bounces down in the six yard box.
Miami are back on the ball with Jordi Alba on the left and the ex-Barça man does well to hold the ball up and shift it inside.
The visitors looking to get a grip on the ball after that careless start.
Very poor start for the Herons as they go a goal down in the opening minutes.
It was good play from Arriola to spot Ferreira in space on the edge of the box and the USMNT forward was clinical when the chance arrived.
However, it was far too easy for Dallas to slice through the Miami midfield and the backline was outmuscled by Ferreira. Food for thought for Martino.
GOOOOAAAAL! FC DALLAS
Jesus Ferreira punishes some poor Miami defending and gives his side the lead!
1-0 to the hosts.
Powerful run from Gressel, looking to latch onto a through ball from Messi. Dallas have enough players back and clear the danger. Throw in to Miami.
And we're off!
Inter Miami get us underway at the Cotton Bowl for this preseason friendly!
The teams are out at the Cotton Bowl and we're nearly ready for kick-off now.
FC Dallas playing in all white. Inter Miami are sporting their away kit, all black with pink highlights.
FC Dallas get preseason underway
This Cotton Bowl clash is the first game of preseason for FC Dallas, who made it to the post-season in 2023 but were seen off by a strong Seattle Sounders team. They are without Alan Velasco and Bernard Kamungo but have Jesus Ferreira to spearhead their attacking movements. the USMNT star is playing just behind Eugene Ansah.
So, what should we expect from Inter Miami this evening? It looks like Tata Martino has opted to stick with the 5-3-2 formation that he employed against El Salvador last week, although there are some changes for tonight's clash.
Sergio Busquets retains his place in the starting XI but has a different duo alongside him against FC Dallas. Cremaschi and Gregore are out, Ruiz and Gressel come in. The new duo offer a little more going forward and Gressel offers quality delivery if he drifts out to the right flank.
Messi and Suarez struggled to connect last Friday, but we could see them playing a little closer together at the Cotton Bowl. At their advancing ages, they can no longer do it all by themselves.
Inter Miami looking to click into gear at the Cotton Bowl
Last Friday's performance against El Salvador had the distinct feel of a preseason opener, with Inter Miami looking a little rusty. They have a busy preseason schedule and that should, provided their players stay fit, give them ample opportunity to get up to speed in time for the start of the 2024 MLS season.
There should be plenty of opportunities for every member of the squad in the coming weeks, with chances to squeeze into Martino's first choice XI. The likes of Cremaschi, Gregore and Taylor are all on the bench today, but will be desperate to make an impact in the second half.
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As always, we will be bringing you full text coverage of the game right here on AS USA. However the MLS is also making the game available to stream online, wherever you are in the world!
Here's everything you need to know to watch FC Dallas - Inter Miami from the Cotton Bowl...
Tata Martino concerned with busy schedule
“What remains to be determined is how we will manage the first two matches [of preseason]. Even though El Salvador and Dallas are geographically closer, they are very close in terms of time, and we find ourselves at the beginning of the preseason.
"We will try to manage the players’ minutes judiciously, understanding that the contractual obligations involve the presence of our key players.”
And here is that FC Dallas lineup
Confirmation here of the host's starting XI, with USMNT forward Jesus Ferreira leading the line for Nico Estevez' side. Asier Illarramendi came up against the likes of Messi, Suarez and Busquets during his time in Spain and the former Real Madrid man can reignite the El Clasico rivalry against Inter Miami.
We haven't yet had confirmation of the FC Dallas team, but we do know that the hosts are without a key player for tonight's game. Young star Alan Velasco is out with a serious knee injury suffered at the end of the 2023 season and will not be in contention for a few more months at least.
They may also be without pacey winger Bernard Kamungo after he represented a USMNT select XI last weekend. Former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi could start.
FC Dallas arrive at the Cotton Bowl
The preseason fixture between FC Dallas and Inter Miami has been move to the incredible Cotton Bowl, a near-100-year-old stadium in Dallas, Texas. The stadium has a maximum capacity of 92,100 and has been the home to a number of major sports teams.
The Dallas Texans, Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Desire have all called the Cotton Bowl home, as did FC Dallas for a spell from 2004-2005.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez start for Inter Miami
Here's today's starting XI. As was the case against El Salvador, it's a strong team from Tata Martino from the off.
Messi and Suarez lead the line together. Today it's David Ruiz and Julian Gressel who will be doing the running for Sergio Busquets in the midfield.
Drake Callender returns from USMNT duty to start in goal.
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What next for Inter Miami? They have signed a cadre of soccer icons, the likes of which MLS has never before seen, but getting these aging superstars into a cohesive system will not be easy.
Tata Martino may have won MLS before but the challenge in front of him is completely different to the one that he conquered at Atlanta United. Could he take a tip from Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni to get the best out of Lionel Messi?
Inter Miami in the house
The Herons have landed! With around an hour to go until kick off the visitors are out on the turf at Cotton Bowl, where we're expecting a big crowd for today's game.
Both teams are still in the early stages of their preseason preparations but there is plenty to suggest that this could be a tasty matchup. When these two sides met in Leagues Cup last year they played out a thrilling 4-4 draw, with Miami taking the tie with a penalty shootout victory.
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We should have team news form the Cotton Bowl very shortly, but it looks like Luis Suarez will retain his place in the starting Xi alongside Lionel Messi. Suarez has reunited with his ex-Barça teammates after making the Miami move last month and made his debut for the club last Friday.
He looked a little short of fitness against El Salvador, but there were signs of his famous connection with Messi.
Inter Miami make the trip to Dallas
Much has been made of the huge amount of travelling that this Inter Miami squad will embark on over the preseason. They have trips to Saudi Arabia, Japan and Hong Kong in the pipeline, but today's game was a more leisurely hop to MLS rivals FC Dallas.
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Unfortunately for Inter Miami, the biggest news to come out of the draw with El Salvador was the injury to young forward Facundo Farias. The 22-year-old impressed towards the end of 2023 and looked set to make a big impact this year.
But a mistimed challenged and a slice of bad luck ensured that the youngster's season is over before it had begun. Here's what we know so far...
Inter Miami continue their preseason preparations with a trip to FC Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. The Herons got 2024 off to a slightly underwhelming start with last week's goalless draw in El Salvador and will be looking for improvement on their return to the States.
I'm Will Gittins, AS USA soccer correspondent, bringing you full live coverage of FC Dallas vs Inter Miami. Away we go...