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 weren’t disappointed, as his two assists were crucial in the team’s 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 Miami’s 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 Martínez 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 team’s depth has come under scrutiny. Miami’s defense looked particularly vulnerable, a fact that might undermine their ambitions to replicate last season’s Supporters’ Shield glory. The thin roster adds to the management’s 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, Messi’s competitive spirit not only inspires but is a defining force within the team.
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