Lionel Messi Saves Game for Ten-Man Inter Miami: AS USA Diario AS

Inter Miami kicked off the 2025 MLS season with a gritty 2-2 draw against New York City FC under the direction of new coach Javier Mascherano. While the team has seen some changes from last season, one thing remains constant: Lionel Messi.

In the early minutes of the game, Messi showcased his skill with two crucial assists that saved Miami from a potentially disastrous defeat. The first goal of the season came just five minutes in, with Messi setting up Tomás Avilés for an easy tap-in after a well-executed corner kick. Avilés, known for his aggressive play, unfortunately found himself with a red card 21 minutes into the match after a challenge on Alonso Martinez.

Despite NYCFC scoring from the resulting free kick and adding another goal in the second half, Miami refused to go down without a fight. With only ten men on the field, the team struggled to create clear opportunities until Telasco Segovia, a new signing, scored a late equalizer with an assist from Messi, securing a point for Miami in added time.

Although it was not the most spectacular performance, Mascherano was pleased to avoid a defeat in his debut. While acknowledging the team’s reliance on Messi for creativity, Mascherano praised Messi’s influence on and off the field, highlighting his leadership qualities and competitive spirit.

Overall, the draw against NYCFC marks a solid start to the season for Inter Miami, with Messi once again proving his worth as a key player for the team. The future looks promising for the Herons, with fans eagerly anticipating more exciting moments as the season progresses.