Inter Miami CF and New York City FC played to a thrilling 2-2 draw on February 23, 2025, as the MLS season commenced. The match, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, was notable not only for the even scoreline but also for the dramatic turns it took, including key moments led by soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
The encounter began on a high note for Inter Miami, with Thomas Aviles scoring the first goal just five minutes in. Unfortunately for Miami, the excitement took a turn when Aviles received a red card for misconduct, effectively putting his team at a numerical disadvantage going forward.
New York City FC capitalized on this opportunity, quickly leveling the score with Mitya Ilenich finding the back of the net only minutes after Aviles' dismissal. NYCFC continued to press their advantage, and Alonso Martinez put them ahead with another goal, making it 2-1 by the 55th minute.
Despite playing with ten men, Inter Miami displayed remarkable resilience. Messi, ever the playmaker, assisted Telasco Segovia’s equalizing goal deep in stoppage time at the 90+10 mark. With this assist, Messi proved instrumental not only as a star player but as the lifeline for his team, allowing them to escape with one precious point.
The match ended with Inter Miami firmly establishing themselves as a competitive side, though they faced challenges, such as the early red card. This game marked the beginning of the new MLS season, and the stakes were high for both teams as they looked to set the tone for their campaigns.
Analysts highlighted the performance of Messi, who ended the match with two assists. His first significant contribution came early on, setting up Aviles' initial goal, and then he capped off the game with the late assist to Segovia. The recognition of Messi’s play was stark; without his efforts, Inter Miami would likely have faced defeat. Messi was rated with 8.0 out of 10, reflecting the impact he had on the game.
For New York City FC, the draw was seen as bittersweet. They had the upper hand after Aviles’ exit yet could not secure the win, which might lead to questions about their effectiveness in leverage situations. NYCFC will need to reconsider their strategy to improve upon this performance as they move forward.
The events of the match felt electrifying, with neither team willing to settle for less. The stakes were high; teams aspire to make their early-season matches count, and both sides delivered on excitement and drama.
Looking forward, Inter Miami hopes to build off this strong showing as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, with fans eagerly awaiting Messi's continued performances. For NYCFC, it’s about finding consistency and learning from matches like this, where they could have claimed all three points.
Overall, the match symbolized the competitive spirit of the MLS, showcasing not just individual brilliance from Messi, but also the thrilling unpredictability of soccer.