A sparse crowd failed to see Lionel Messi score and Inter Miami remained winless in its second preseason match.
Not even an hour’s stint for the 36-year-old Argentinian superstar on the field could spell the difference. Messi could not provide the spark, leading to Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss against Dallas FC on Monday.
Miami settled for a scoreless draw against El Salvador in its first preseason match.
The 5-foot-7 forward had several chances to put the ball into the net but missed. The second of Inter Miami’s international tour at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Arlington was a stinker.
An audacious Olimpico attempt by Messi in the eighth minute missed the mark. A rasping 30-yard volley from the World Cup winner was blocked by Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes in the second half.
Messi also tried to set up former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez. But the Uruguayan’s volley also missed for Inter Miami.
Jesus Ferreira provided the lone goal of the match in less than three minutes. The USA striker converted a shot from about 12 yards for the winner.
Only 32,211 fans braved the cold conditions at the 92,100-seat stadium to see Messi score. They left disappointed, yet still happy, that the home side won.
