Messi Stars in Inter Miami’s 2-2 Draw with Two Assists in MLS Return

Leo Messi proved to be the hero for Inter Miami in their first game of the new MLS season, providing two crucial assists to rescue his team from a potential defeat against New York City. The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw Inter Miami suffer until the very end, but ultimately, they managed to secure a valuable point.

The game started on a high note for Inter Miami, with Tomás Avilés scoring the opening goal in the 5th minute, thanks to a great collective play that involved Messi and Jordi Alba. However, their joy was short-lived, as Avilés was sent off with a direct red card just 18 minutes later for a foul on Alonso Martínez. This decision not only changed the dynamics of the game but also left Inter Miami with a daunting task of playing with one man down.

As expected, New York City took advantage of the numerical disadvantage and soon found the equalizer through Mitja Ilenic’s stunning shot. The goal was followed by a celebration that caught everyone’s attention, as Ilenic mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature jump, perhaps as a nod to the ongoing rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi.

The second half saw Inter Miami struggling to cope with the pressure, and at the 55th minute, Alonso Martínez scored again for New York City, putting his team in the lead. This seemed like a decisive blow, but Messi had other plans. With his team trailing and time running out, he launched a precise pass to Telasco Segovia, who scored with a delicate ‘Glorito’ to tie the game.

This result means that Javier Mascherano remains undefeated as the coach of Inter Miami, with five wins and a draw under his belt. While it wasn’t the ideal start to their MLS campaign, the team showed character, and Messi once again demonstrated his ability to turn the tide of a game when it matters most. As Mascherano aptly put it, “Leo Messi is the soul of the team, and that’s a great advantage for us.” He went on to praise Messi’s spirit, saying, “It’s like a child playing and not wanting to lose. We just want to maintain that spirit, because it’s not only what he does on the court but what he transmits to his teammates, and everything he does at 37 years old is magnificent.”