The 2025 MLS season opened with a bang as Inter Miami CF and New York City FC battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Chase Stadium. Fans were on the edge of their seats as both teams showcased flair and resilience, with Lionel Messi at the heart of Miami's efforts. The Argentine legend demonstrated once again why he's considered one of the all-time greats, dazzling spectators with two crucial assists that kept Miami in the game.
The drama began early when Tomás Avilés connected with one of Messi's brilliant setups, firing Miami into the lead just five minutes into the match. However, the joy was short-lived as Avilés found himself in hot water, receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Alonso Martínez in the 23rd minute. This left Miami to grapple with the challenge of playing a man down for the majority of the match.
New York City FC, sensing an opportunity, quickly took control. They retaliated just minutes after Avilés' dismissal, with Mitja Ilenič leveling the score in the 26th minute. His deft finish was orchestrated by a clever free-kick from the experienced Maxi Moralez, whose vision and creativity seemed to rejuvenate NYCFC.
The match reached a tense juncture, with NYCFC capitalizing again in the 55th minute. This time it was Alonso Martínez who pounced on an error by Jordi Alba, putting NYCFC ahead and seemingly setting the stage for their win. Miami, however, refused to buckle under pressure.
Despite being down to 10 men, Miami demonstrated incredible tenacity. The relentless energy kept NYCFC on their toes and, as the clock ticked into stoppage time, Telasco Segovia delivered the dramatic equalizer. Again, it was Messi who orchestrated the moment, threading the needle with a pass that Segovia turned into a goal, capping off an exhilarating 100-minute contest.
The thrilling draw highlighted both Inter Miami's resilience and Messi’s undoubted influence, proving that even a man down, Miami can still march forward and make their mark. For fans, the match was a reminder of Messi's magic on the field, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting MLS season ahead.
