Inter Miami's Major League Soccer season opened with excitement and intensity as the team battled New York City FC to a thrilling 2-2 draw on Saturday night. Despite high expectations following last season's record-breaking performance, Miami found themselves grappling with early setbacks but managed to salvage a valuable point thanks to their star player, Lionel Messi.
The match began on a high note for the Herons, who took the lead within the first five minutes. Messi, showcasing his playmaking skills, played a corner kick deep to Jordi Alba. Alba responded with a pinpoint diagonal pass to Tomas Aviles, who coolly slotted the ball home, sending the Miami faithful erupting with joy. This fast start could have set the tone for the night, but soon after, everything began to unravel for the new-look Miami squad.
Just minutes after their opening goal, forward Fafa Picault had to exit the match due to what appeared to be a muscle injury. This early blow made things more complicated for Inter Miami as they struggled to find their stride. The situation deteriorated even more when Aviles brought down NYCFC's Alonso Martinez on the edge of the box, receiving a straight red card. With Miami left to play the rest of the match with ten men, the stage was set for New York to take control.
From the resulting free-kick taken by Maxi Moralez, the disarray within Miami's defense became evident. Mitja Ilenic, unmarked on the edge, took advantage and fired the ball past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, leveling the match at 1-1. The red card had shifted the momentum significantly, and New York could sense the opportunity to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
Despite the challenges, Miami's resilience surfaced throughout the match. Unfortunately, more drama ensued just after the second half began. Jordi Alba, trying to regain control, made another grave mistake. A careless pass was intercepted by Martinez, who sprinted forward to score NYCFC's second goal, putting them up 2-1. It was another moment of miscommunication and error on the Miami side.
Even with the mounting pressure, Messi remained undeterred. The former Barcelona star found himself increasingly isolated, receiving little support from his teammates as the match progressed. Luis Suarez, expected to provide additional firepower, had to leave the field shortly after NYCFC’s second goal, leaving Martin's position even more compromised.
Late on, with Miami seemingly ready to accept defeat, Messi delivered yet again. With mere seconds left on the clock, he threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Telasco Segovia, who lifted the ball over goalkeeper Matt Freese to net the equalizer. The joy around the stadium was palpable, with fans erupting as Miami escaped with one point rather than none.
Coach Javier Mascherano could feel the tension throughout the match but emphasized the importance of Messi's presence. “He’s the soul of this team,” Mascherano said. “You could see with what he did at the end.” His observations highlight Messi’s enduring influence, showing not just skill but the ability to inspire. “We need to keep him with this spirit because it is not just what he does on the pitch, it is what he transmits to his team-mates,” added Mascherano, reinforcing the depth of Messi's contributions beyond just individual play.
This match serves as a reminder for Inter Miami of the challenges they must improve upon as they navigate the 2025 MLS season. Their ability to respond under pressure and adapt tactically will be tested as they aim for dominance after last year’s triumphs and subsequent playoff disappointment.
With the spectacular talent of Messi at their helm, along with new acquisitions and under the guidance of Mascherano, Miami is poised to overcome initial hurdles and potentially reclaim its status among the league's elite. The fight shown against NYCFC suggests resilience characterizes this year's squad, at least for now. The excitement surrounding the coming matches adds another layer of intrigue for fans eager to see how the season progresses.
Only time will tell if Inter Miami can navigate the challenges of the new season and capitalize on their immense potential, but one thing is clear: with Messi leading the charge, they remain formidable contenders.