Three games, five goals, numerous moments of brilliance, and a city that has fallen in love. Lionel Messi has bossed his time in the USA so far and the Leagues Cup is the tournament which has been better for it. After qualifying for the Round-of-16 in unbeaten fashion, Messi’s team Inter Miami face FC Dallas on August 6, 2023.
Here’s the match preview, buildup, team news, and more as the Leagues Cup has become Lionel Messi’s personal playground!
Inter Miami vs FC Dallas preview
Inter Miami come into this game with their season transformed. MLS’ basement side are yet to lose a game Messi has played a part in. The attack looks like scoring every time they move forward, with the Argentine magician at the fulcrum of it all.
They dispatched Orlando City 3-1 courtesy of a Messi brace and will back themselves to go again against FC Dallas.
Orlando City are 5th in MLS’ Eastern Conference standings and still, they were brushed aside by Miami. Dallas are 8th in the Western Conference so Inter Miami will be favourites on their home turf.
FC Dallas finished second in their Leagues Cup group, winning one and drawing the other fixture. They come into this game after beating Mazatlan FC away from home 2-1.
Inter Miami vs FC Dallas predicted lineup
Inter Miami team news
Gerardo “Tata” Martino has found his best lineup quickly with Messi at the centre of things and Sergio Busquets dictating things in the middle of the park.
They are expected to be joined by Jordi Alba to complete the reunion of the Barcelona Trinity.
The Spanish fullback made his debut off the bench against Orlando City and should be able to start the game against FC Dallas, further adding to the headache of rival MLS teams.
The attack will be rounded off by fan favourite Robert Taylor, who has found another gear since being paired with Messi. Josef Martinez will complete the attacking trio.
Predicted Inter Miami XI: Callender, Yedlin, Miller, Kryvtsov, Alba, Arroyo, Busquets, Ruiz, Messi, Martinez, Taylor
FC Dallas team news
FC Dallas have only one long-term injury in the form of Tarik Scott, who suffered from a cruciate ligament rupture in February.
A notable name in their lineup is Jesus Ferreira, the prolific striker who turned heads at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Miami’s defence will need to be aware of his nifty movements inside the box and cope with his elite finishing abilities.
Predicted FC Dallas XI: Paes, Junqua, Martinez, Tafari, Jesus, Velasco, Quignon, Lletget, Obrian, Ferreira, Kamungo
Inter Miami vs FC Dallas prediction
With the wind in their sails, it is difficult to look beyond Inter Miami in any game they play right now.
They’ve strengthened the team so impressively that the MLS league table is no longer a reflection of the team.
Busquets is purring, Messi is scoring and creating, Alba is about to resume his dynamic linkup with the Argentine, and Andres Iniesta is still to come!
Look for Messi to weave his magic again as Inter Miami feed off a rabid crowd at DRV PNK Stadium en route to another victory in the Leagues Cup.
A maiden trophy for Messi awaits in his debut season, something not many could have foreseen when he joined a team that was at the bottom of the MLS standings. Such has been his impact on the team.
FootTheBall predicts Inter Miami 3-1 FC Dallas.
