“Had to Run Behind Them Many Times” – FC Dallas’ Illarramendi on Facing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets & Jordi Alba in La Liga

Inter Miami hit a home run after signing Lionel Messi. As if the presence of the Argentinian superstar wasn’t enough, the Herons struck lightning twice by bringing Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez as well. While the ex-Barcelona band remains a threat in the MLS, FC Dallas’ star Asier Illarramendi has retained the quartet’s dominance, narrating his own experience that he ‘ran a lot behind the ball’ whenever he faced the former Catalan stars in La Liga.

Tonight, Inter Miami is bound to face FC Dallas in a pre-season friendly. Ahead of the match, Spanish midfielder Asier Illarramendi walked down memory lane to refresh his memories of facing Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba during his time at Real Sociedad. As per revered journalist Favian Renkel, Illarramendi said, “Well, I ran a lot behind the ball, they played very well when all these players were at Barcelona and the rest of us had to run behind them many times.” 

Additionally, the 33-year-old midfielder is hoping to create fresh memories with the Miami quartet in the new domestic tournament. “That time is behind us; now we are all enjoying another experience, and let’s hope everything goes well this year,” he concluded. Notably, Illarramendi joined Toros in August 2023, having made 11 appearances for the club. This year, he’ll be looking to give his all for the Texas-based club. 

Likewise, tonight’s clash between Dallas and Inter Miami will certainly take Illarramendi on a nostalgic trip, with Alba and Busquets also looking forward to meeting their former La Roja teammate. Speaking of the match, one of Messi’s teammates won’t be available for tonight’s clash.

A teammate of Lionel Messi will miss the FC Dallas clash

In the recent El Salvador match, Messi and his team faced a series of rough tackles. The situation worsened when Facundo Farias had to be carried off on a stretcher in the second half. A video captured the injured midfielder getting assistance from the medical team to board the team bus. However, the concern doesn’t end there!

READ MORE: Here’s How Lionel Messi Reunion Could Be Detrimental to Luis Suarez’s Copa América Chances [Exclusive]

Luis Suarez was seen icing his knee after a challenging tackle as he got substituted within the first half alongside Lionel Messi. While information on others remains unclear, there’s a strong likelihood that Farias will be unavailable for the upcoming FC Dallas match. Additionally, his participation in the remaining pre-season games in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Hong Kong is also uncertain. We wish him a speedy recovery.

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat