The 2025 MLS season kick-off saw Inter Miami battling to a 2-2 draw against New York City FC, headlined by none other than Lionel Messi. Fans eager to see what Messi would bring to the opening match werenât disappointed, as his two assists were crucial in the teamâs performance. In a stadium alive with anticipation, Miami got off to a thrilling start, with Messi setting the pace early on. Just five minutes in, he delivered a sharp assist that Toto Aviles converted, setting the stage for what seemed to be a strong opening for Miami.
However, the game took a sharp turn when Aviles, a towering presence in Miamiâs defense, was shown a red card in the 23rd minute for a critical foul. This left Inter Miami down to 10 players, throwing their strategy into disarray. Seizing this opportunity, NYCFC's Mitja Ilenic soon leveled the score with a skillful free-kick, raising the tension on the field.
The match saw more drama unraveling in the second half. NYCFC pushed ahead with Alonso MartĂnez scoring after a misstep by Jordi Alba in the 55th minute. Just as it looked like Miami was headed for defeat, Messi again proved his mettle. In the dying moments of the game, he conjured a through ball to Telasco Segovia, a young Venezuelan striker. Segovia, in his debut, caught the crowd's breath with a beautifully chipped goal during the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time, salvaging a draw for Miami.
Behind the scenes, Inter Miami's challenges are beginning to mount. With several key players like Fafa Picault sidelined by injuries, the teamâs depth has come under scrutiny. Miamiâs defense looked particularly vulnerable, a fact that might undermine their ambitions to replicate last seasonâs Supportersâ Shield glory. The thin roster adds to the managementâs concerns, painting a picture of a team relying heavily on a handful of stars, particularly Messi, whose influence goes beyond mere statistics. As coach Javier Mascherano highlighted, Messiâs competitive spirit not only inspires but is a defining force within the team.
Damian Liszkiewicz
Messi's vision in that opening assist reminds us that creativity in sport mirrors creativity in life đ. He threaded the ball to AvilĂ©s with such precision that even the defense had to pause and admire the elegance of the move. The timing, five minutes in, set the rhythm for Miami and showed why the Argentine magician is still a game-changer. Even with a red card later, the team's willingness to push forward was sparked by that early spark. Itâs a good lesson for any team: a single moment of brilliance can lift morale and reshape a match. Keep the optimism alive, and future games could be even more thrilling đ.
Angela Arribas
The article incorrectly writes âthrough ballâ as two words; it should be âthroughâballâ. :/
Sienna Ficken
Well, there we have it â Messi doing what he does best: making the rest of us look like weâre still learning to dribble a beach ball. The assist to AvilĂ©s was as delicate as a silk scarf in a hurricane, and yet somehow it landed perfectly. Then the red card? Nothing a seasoned coach canât spin into a âtactical reshuffleâ excuse. Mitja Ilenicâs freeâkick was a polite reminder that even in chaos, other teams will still find a way to score. And letâs not ignore Segoviaâs debut goal â a chipped masterpiece that screamed âIâm here, watch me!â while the clock mercilessly ticked down. All in all, if you wanted a rollerâcoaster of drama, the MLS opener delivered it with a side of flair. đ
Zac Death
First off, kudos to the Miami squad for bouncing back after being down to ten men â that kind of resilience is the hallmark of a team with character. When you watch Messiâs second assist, itâs not just a pass; itâs a masterclass in spatial awareness and timing. He surveyed the field, spotted Segoviaâs run, and delivered a throughâball that cut through the defense like a laser. The Venezuelan youngster didnât just finish; he chipped the ball with the poise of a seasoned striker, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd. That goal, scored in the 100th minute, turned a potential loss into a moraleâboosting draw. It also highlighted a tactical nuance: keeping the ball low and spreading it wide can create those lateâgame space openings even when youâre a man down. The red card on AvilĂ©s could have demoralized the team, but the coaching staffâs quick adjustment kept the formation balanced. Meanwhile, NYCFCâs Mitja Ilenic took advantage of the setâpiece, reminding us that freeâkicks are still a potent weapon. The match also exposed defensive frailties â the misstep by Jordi Alba that allowed MartĂnezâs goal underscored a need for tighter communication at the back. Injuries to players like Fafa Picault only compound that issue, making depth a critical concern for the season ahead. On the flip side, the chemistry between Messi and his teammates has already shown it can offset some shortcomings, at least in the short term. Fans should temper expectations; no single player can carry a full season, even a legend of Messiâs caliber. The support staffâs role in rotating the squad will be pivotal, especially when the congested schedule kicks in. Ultimately, this opener serves as a microcosm of the league: unpredictable, highâenergy, and full of moments that can swing either way. Keep an eye on how Miami shores up its defense, and youâll see a narrative that could rival any European league in excitement.
Lizzie Fournier
Seeing Messiâs influence on the pitch is a reminder that a single player can elevate an entire squad, but it also highlights the importance of building a solid supporting cast. The red card early on forced Miami to adapt quickly, and the way they regrouped shows good team spirit. If they can shore up the backline and give more minutes to the younger guys, the season could be exciting for fans. Letâs hope the injuries donât linger too long.
JAN SAE
Wow, what a game, wow! The intensity was off the charts, and every pass seemed to matter, especially those from Messi-absolutely brilliant, really! The red card added a twist, a challenge, a test of character; the team rose to it, proving depth, showing heart! And that stoppageâtime goal? Incredible, unforgettable, a moment for the history books-well done, Miami!
Steve Dunkerley
From a tactical standpoint, the deployment of a highâpressing block postâred card was a pragmatic adjustment, mitigating the numerical disadvantage. Messiâs vision functioned as a fulcrum, enabling vertical progression while maintaining structural integrity. The setâpiece defense exhibited lapses in zonal marking, which Ilenic exploited via a direct freeâkick. Future matches will require enhanced synchronisation between the backline and midfield pivots to sustain possession under pressure.
Jasmine Hinds
That goal by Segovia was wild đČ Itâs crazy how Messi still finds those spaces The crowd went nuts
Madison Neal
Considering the current injury list, depth scarcity could become a systemic risk for Miamiâs tactical elasticity. The reliance on Messi as a central playmaker underscores a need for diversified playmaking options to avoid overâdependence. Integrating a rotational policy might alleviate fatigue and preserve performance levels across the season.
John Crulz
Interesting how the red card changed the flow â made the midfield tighter and forced quicker transitions. I wonder how the coach will tweak the formation moving forward, maybe a backâfive to compensate?
Anita Drake
The MLS opener showcased not only the technical skill of players like Messi but also the growing multicultural presence in American soccer, with talents from Argentina, Venezuela, and beyond contributing to an enriching sporting tapestry.