Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had a tough start to the new MLS season, settling for a 2-2 draw at home against New York City FC on Saturday.
Miami, last year’s regular season points leader, played most of the match with 10 men after Tomas Avilés was sent off in the 23rd minute. Despite the setback, Messi assisted both Miami goals, including a dramatic equaliser in the 10th minute of stoppage time.
With Javier Mascherano making his MLS coaching debut, Miami featured several new faces but struggled to find rhythm. The night started well with Messi setting up Avilés for a fifth-minute opener, but things quickly unraveled. Forward Fafa Picault left injured in the 10th minute, and Avilés’ red card shifted momentum to New York.
New York equalised through Mitja Ilenič after a defensive lapse, then took the lead in the 55th minute when Jordi Alba’s misplaced pass gifted a goal to Alonso Martínez. Miami’s attack, with Messi receiving little support from an ineffective Luis Suárez, failed to break through until the dying moments.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi delivered a perfect through ball to Telasco Segovia, who chipped goalkeeper Matt Freese to salvage a draw.
“He’s the soul of this team,” Mascherano said of Messi. “It’s not just what he does on the pitch but what he transmits to his teammates.”
Elsewhere in MLS:
- Emmanuel Latte Lath scored twice on his debut to lead Atlanta United to a 3-2 win over Montreal.
- Philadelphia Union, under new coach Bradley Carnell, stunned Orlando City 4-2.
- Cincinnati’s $16M signing Kevin Denkey scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls.
- Diego Rossi bagged a brace as Columbus Crew defeated Chicago Fire 4-2.
- Defending champions LA Galaxy will face expansion side San Diego FC on Sunday.
