Lionel Messi pulls Inter Miami even with two assists in 2-2 draw with New York City FC in thrilling MLS opener

Lionel Messi did have to find the back of the net to make an impact as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with New York City FC in their MLS season opener at Chase Stadium.

The Argentine’s heroics came in the form of his playmaking as he assisted both goals for the Herons in the opening and closing minutes of the contest.

Messi played a square pass to Thomas Aviles to open the scoring and found Telasco Segovia through the traffic in the dying minutes of stoppage time. As a result, Miami redeemed itself from an otherwise sloppy performance to salvage a point at home.

After scoring the opening goal for Javier Mascherano’s side in the fifth minute, Aviles proved to be the losing factor when he was sent off in the 23rd.

Following his exit, NYCFC capitalized on the numerical advantage as Messi and the Herons failed to find any progress through the match.

Mitja Ilenic leveled the game in the 26th and Alonso Martinez gave the New Yorkers padding in the 55th.

Inter Miami kept knocking on the goal’s doorstep during an eventful second half despite being down in numbers. The game’s physicality led to 11 added minutes in stoppage time.

With mere seconds left in the game, NYCFC looked to head back to the Big Apple with three points.

However, the Herons broke away and found Messi on the counterattack. The former Barcelona star threaded the pass to Segovia, who then chipped the ball over NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Inter Miami outshot the Pigeons, 14-8, and put six on-frame to New York’s five. Messi and Co. also created 10 chances to NYCFC’s four and forced Freese to make four saves in the game.

Furthermore, Miami controlled 59.1 percent of possession and had eight fouls to their counterparts’ 11.

Messi is entering his third season with the team and second full MLS campaign. In 2024, he played just 19 fixtures and tallied 20 goals with 16 assists while being limited by injuries. 

Messi and Inter Miami salvaged a draw against New York in the dying minutes of the match 

Miami have not lost since their 2024 MLS season came to an end in the hands of Atlanta United. 

Over the offseason, they won two and drew three club friendlies before defeating Sporting Kansas City, 1-0 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. 

The two teams will rematch in the second leg of their matchup on Tuesday. Miami will continue their MLS quest on March 2 against the Houston Dynamo.