Inter Miami managed to secure a 2-2 draw against New York City FC in their MLS opener, showcasing the remarkable play of Lionel Messi, who provided both assists for his team. Messi first set up Tomás Avilés to score in the fifth minute, giving Inter Miami an early lead at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
However, the match took a turn when Avilés received a red card after being deemed to have committed a foul outside the box in the 23rd minute, despite there being clear evidence that he touched the ball. This disadvantage allowed NYCFC to equalize through Mitja Ilenic following a free kick shortly thereafter.
In the second half, Inter Miami struggled to create scoring opportunities, and a critical error by Jordi Alba allowed Alonso Martínez to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at the 55-minute mark. As the match progressed, Inter’s chances seemed to dim, but Messi once again stepped up, assisting Telasco Segovia, who skillfully leveled the score with a well-placed shot.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will prepare for their next outing in the CONCACAF Champions League against Kansas City, while New York City FC will host Los Angeles FC in their next MLS match.
Despite the ups and downs in this opening game, Messi’s leadership and playmaking ability remain a beacon of hope for Inter Miami as they aim to strengthen their position in the league. This match not only highlighted the star power of Messi but also emphasized the potential for the team to bounce back and improve as the season unfolds.