Inter Miami CF kicked off its 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with much anticipation surrounding the team's performance, especially with Lionel Messi at the helm. The match against New York City FC (NYCFC) saw Messi quickly making his mark, setting the stage for what Miami hopes will be a successful campaign.
Just five minutes past the whistle, Messi delivered a pinpoint cross to young player Tomás Avilés, who scored the opener for Miami. With this assist, Messi reached 40 career goal contributions (21 goals and 19 assists) faster than any player in MLS history, accomplishing this feat within just 26 matches. This remarkable moment not only thrilled the fans at Chase Stadium but also set the tone for the season, after Miami's disappointing end to the previous year.
Despite winning the Supporters' Shield for the best regular season record with 74 points, Inter Miami's run last year ended abruptly with their elimination from the playoffs by Atlanta United. The shock of this early exit led to the resignation of coach Tata Martino, leading to speculation surrounding the influence of their star players, particularly Messi. The club has since appointed Javier Mascherano, Messi's former teammate, as the new head coach. Mascherano’s debut season offers both opportunity and pressure, as the team aims to secure major trophies.
While Messi remains the centerpiece of the team, this season also marks potential final glimpses of other aging superstars such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, all 36 or older. Their previous friendships with Messi allowed Miami to sign them under less restrictive roster conditions than usual for designated players. Without Messi's magnetism, their presence at the club might not have materialized. Miami's co-owner Jorge Mas has made bold claims about the club's financial capabilities, asserting they have 'unlimited funds' to attract new talent. Yet, sustaining such star-level talent amid competitive salary caps may prove challenging.
Miami's play on the field began with excitement, but it soon turned temperate as Avilés was later sent off for a reckless tackle, which allowed NYCFC to level the match from the ensuing free-kick. The excitement turned to tension as NYCFC scored again shortly after halftime, taking advantage of Miami's 10-man lineup. The visitors completed their turnaround by capitalizing on a defensive error, leaving Miami supporters frustrated as they watched their team struggle to maintain the early advantage.
Disappointment was compounded by injuries throughout the match, raising questions around depth and readiness as they begin their title chase. The coaching staff had thought carefully about how to manage their players' welfare, especially following their recent Champions Cup outing against Sporting Kansas City. Mascherano acknowledges these games are significant, stating, "We know we have two very important games coming up," highlighting the importance of both the season opener and the subsequent Champions Cup match.
Looking back at previous seasons, it's evident Miami's evolution from being league strugglers to becoming the talented squad they are now is noteworthy. Prior to Messi's arrival, Miami faced significant struggles, including being forced to play out of Fort Lauderdale, to climbing to the apex of entertainment attractiveness and competitiveness. With last season’s Supporters' Shield and now Messi's re-enforcement, Inter Miami has shifted its perception from struggling to glamorous among MLS teams. Yet the question remains if this glamorous existence can deliver the trophies the team desperately needs.
Despite their recent ups and downs, hope remains high with Messi leading on the pitch. The team hopes to seize the moment and capitalize on their star-studded lineup effectively over the season's course. Miami aims to challenge for MLS Cup, the Supporters' Shield, and the Leagues Cup this year, making it a definitive season not only for Messi but also for David Beckham's dreams for the franchise.
Messi's recent performances—highlighted by his assist during the opener and his goal contribution against Kansas City—suggest he is still capable of greatness. Nonetheless, the entire organization recognizes the clock is ticking on their window of opportunity. This 2025 season will define the path forward for the entire Inter Miami operation, making every match count as they hope to deliver on their lofty expectations.