Inter Miami kicked off their Major League Soccer season with a thrilling 2-2 draw against New York City FC on a bustling Saturday night, thanks to Lionel Messi's masterful display of playmaking prowess. The Argentine star showcased why he's still considered one of the world's best by assisting in both of Inter Miami's crucial goals, staving off a potential defeat.
The match roared to life with an electric start, as Messi quickly found his rhythm. In the fifth minute, he sent a deft pass to veteran Jordi Alba, who expertly set up Toto Avilés to hammer in the opening goal. However, Inter Miami's advantage was short-lived. Their progress hit a snag when Avilés received a red card, leaving the team to grapple with playing a man down for the rest of the match.
Despite the setback, Inter Miami refused to buckle under the pressure. But New York City FC capitalized on their numbers, with Mitja Ilenic leveling the score in the 49th minute. The tides turned further when Alonso Martínez seized on an error from Alba in the 55th minute, putting NYCFC ahead and applying the heat on Miami's defense.
Faced with a mounting challenge, Messi took the reins. He channelled his inner maestro in the tense final moments of the game, delivering a breathtaking assist to Telasco Segovia who managed to find the net in the dying breaths of the match—the 10th minute of stoppage time.
Coach Javier Mascherano couldn’t stop singing Messi's praises, highlighting his relentless spirit and competitiveness as pivotal to the team's resilience. 'He’s like a kid playing, and he doesn’t want to lose,' Mascherano remarked, underlining Messi's fervor on the pitch.
This gutsy performance extends Inter Miami's unbeaten streak in season openers. With the determined leadership of Coach Mascherano and Messi's continued brilliance, the team aims to build on last year's Supporters Shield triumph. Fans will no doubt keep their eyes glued to see how this season unfolds for Inter Miami, especially with Messi at the helm driving the squad forward.