Messi Saves Inter Miami in MLS Season Opener
It was a marathon match at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with a total of 22 minutes of stoppage time. New York City was close to securing the win, but Messi’s brilliance appeared at the last moment to rescue his team.
An assist from Lionel Messi in the 100th minute allowed Venezuelan Telasco Segovia to score the equalizer for Inter Miami, securing a 2-2 draw against New York City in their 2025 MLS season debut. The team led by Javier Mascherano played with ten men from the 25th minute.
A Thrilling Encounter
With Serena Williams in attendance, Argentine Tomás Avilés put Inter Miami ahead after a pass from Messi, but New York City responded with goals from Mitja Ilenic and Costa Rican Alonso Martínez.
Just when it seemed Inter Miami would suffer a defeat in their opener, Messi delivered a perfect through ball to Segovia, who finished with an elegant chip to seal the 2-2 draw in the final moments.
Mascherano’s squad started strong and took the lead in the 6th minute with a goal from Avilés, who tapped in a precise assist from Messi following a vertical pass from Jordi Alba. However, the game took a turn in the 23rd minute when Avilés was sent off for a foul on Alonso Martínez.
Effort Pays Off
Despite playing with ten men, Inter Miami continued to create scoring chances. Messi came close to equalizing with a free kick in the 72nd minute, but goalkeeper Matt Freese made a crucial save. He also set up Alba, who assisted Fernando Redondo, but the Argentine midfielder missed his shot.
In the final play of the match, Messi once again worked his magic with another brilliant pass to Segovia, who finished with class to secure the dramatic 2-2 draw in the 100th minute.
Lineups
Inter Miami: Ustari; Weigandt (Redondo, 46’), Allen, Avilés, Alba; Ruiz (Fray, 27’), Busquets, Cremaschi (Luján, 59’); Messi, Picault (Taylor, 10’), Suárez (Segovia, 59’).
New York City: Freese; O'Toole (Cavallo, 66’), Risa, Tanasijevic (Shore, 46’), Ilenic; Parks, Haak, Morález (Perea, 78’); Ojeda (Fernández, 69’), Martínez (Bakrar, 90’), Wolf.
Goals: 1-0, 6’ Avilés; 1-1, 26’ Ilenic; 1-2, 55’ Martínez; 2-2, 100’ Segovia.
Referee: Rosendo Mendoza (USA). Yellow cards for Alba (23’), Cremaschi (41’), and Messi (104’) from Inter Miami, and for Tanasijevic (45’) and Freese (94’). Avilés was sent off with a straight red card (25’).
Attendance: MLS season opener played at Chase Stadium in front of nearly 20,000 fans.
