FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami kicked off their 2025 Major League Soccer season with high expectations, but they faced immediate challenges as they drew 2-2 against New York City FC on Saturday night. The match was marked by dramatic moments and standout performances, particularly from Lionel Messi, who showcased his playmaking abilities by delivering two key assists.
Miami started strong, with Messi just having played for the club 72 hours earlier, where he scored the winner against Sporting Kansas City. The Argentine maestro was at it again early on, providing a perfect set-up for Tomas Aviles, who opened the scoring just five minutes in. Messi received the ball from Jordi Alba before cutting it across, allowing Aviles to tap it home and send the home crowd at Chase Stadium roaring.
With such a promising start, it seemed like Miami was on their way to victory. But, the fortunes shifted dramatically for the Herons when Aviles was shown a red card for a reckless tackle just 20 minutes later, plunging the team down to ten men.
“We had to adjust our game plan after the red card. It proved difficult against the numerical advantage of New York City,” said first-year coach Javier Mascherano.
New York quickly capitalized on the advantage, leveling the game through Mitja Ilenic before taking the lead through Alonso Martinez just ten minutes after the red card. With Inter Miami's defense unraveling, it appeared they were set to start their campaign with disappointment.
But Messi wasn’t done yet. He proved to be the magic spark as stoppage time drew near, staying relentless even with the team down to ten men. With seconds left on the clock, he carved open NYCFC’s defense one more time, threading the ball beautifully to Telasco Segovia. The Venezuelan knew just what to do, perfectly lobbing the shot over goalkeeper Matthew Freese to clinch the draw.
Jubilant Miami fans erupted as the team earned the last-minute point, salvaging what had been a shaky performance under pressure.
Despite the red card, the Herons maintained control of the game, outshooting their opponents 14-8 and retaining 59.1% possession. The challenge now is to translate Messi's brilliance on the field to consistent team performance.
Even with the draw, fans were excited, not just for the thrilling match but also for the noticeable presence of celebrities like Eva Longoria and Serena Williams supporting the squad. This attention reflects the growing influence of the franchise, especially after acquiring Messi.
Looking forward, the team has its work cut out for them. Existing injuries to players like Drake Callender and Hector Martinez already stretched the team's depth early this season, and Aviles’s red card raises concerns on how many viable options Mascherano has as he prepares to lead them through multiple competitions, including upcoming matches against the Houston Dynamo and the second leg against Sporting Kansas City.
The rallying draw the Herons achieved may act as motivation as they regroup from this opener, but one thing remains clear: with Messi on board, they aim to compete fiercely for trophies and will have to quickly build on this performance to achieve their lofty ambitions.
Messi, now entering his third season with Inter Miami, has begun to show the potential impact of his leadership on the team, demonstrating both on and off the pitch. Another season with high expectations looms over the squad as they handle pressing competition. From dominating opponents to making significant plays, Messi's influence could very well be the difference between victory and defeat.