Sun Apr 27 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Inter Miami to Rotate Squad Against FC Dallas After Champions Cup Loss

**Miami, FL** – Inter Miami CF will make significant changes to its starting lineup for Sunday’s MLS match against FC Dallas, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed. The decision comes after a grueling 72-hour turnaround following their 2-0 Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC) semifinal defeat against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Thursday.

The short recovery time, compounded by travel, has forced Mascherano’s hand. “It’s not even 72 hours, with a 6-hour trip,” he explained. “It’s not the same situation as against Toronto.” Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, who missed the first 15 minutes of Friday’s open training session, are expected to play reduced roles. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also missed training, while midfielder Sergio Busquets trained individually.

Mascherano acknowledged Messi’s fatigue after the Whitecaps game, partly attributing it to the artificial turf. Despite the loss, which leaves Inter Miami needing at least two goals in the second leg to advance in the CCC, Mascherano emphasized the importance of the upcoming Dallas game: “We want to think about Dallas, and the fact that we have a good position in MLS and we want to continue that.”

While the CCC semifinal was described by Mascherano as “one of the most important games in club history,” the immediate focus is now firmly on securing a positive result against FC Dallas. Analyst Lizzy Becherano added a humorous perspective, suggesting that integrating Kevin De Bruyne into the team would present more of a challenge off the field than on it.

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