Lionel Messi Shines with Two Assists in Inter Miami's Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against NYCFC

Lionel Messi's magic was on full display as Inter Miami CF and New York City FC ended their 2025 MLS season opener in a 2-2 draw full of drama at Chase Stadium. Right from the start, Messi demonstrated why he’s a force, setting up an early goal for Inter Miami. Tomás Avilés converted a tight finish in the 5th minute, thanks to Messi’s keen eye. This assist made Messi the fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 career goal contributions in just 26 matches—a jaw-dropping feat.

But the euphoria for Inter Miami was short-lived. Avilés, who had started the game on a high note, was given a red card in the 23rd minute after a tackle on NYCFC's Alonso Martínez. This left Miami down to 10 men, and the momentum seemed to shift. NYCFC took advantage with a perfectly executed free kick, leading to an equalizer by Mitja Ilenič in the 26th minute.

The visitors didn’t stop there. In the 55th minute, Alonso Martínez turned the tables by snatching a stray pass and sending the ball past Miami’s goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari, putting NYCFC in the lead. It seemed like the home side would capitalize further on their numerical superiority.

Inter Miami wasn’t ready to throw in the towel yet. Messi, ever the orchestrator, found himself part of another crucial play deep into the game’s dying moments. Even in stoppage time, the Argentine maestro was sharp, threading a precise ball to Telasco Segovia, who made the most of his MLS debut by chipping the goalie beautifully to bring Miami level at 2-2. Messi's second assist was not just a stat but a testament to his game-changing abilities.

Despite being one player short, Inter Miami showed tremendous grit, controlling possession at 58.1% and outshooting NYCFC with 15 attempts to their 8. Head coach Javier Mascherano commended his team’s remarkable resilience and spirit, describing how they played with 'soul and life'.

With both teams earning a point from this intense clash, Inter Miami and NYCFC now stand at 0-1-0 on the table. Looking ahead, NYCFC will face LAFC on March 1, while Inter Miami gets ready for an exciting Concacaf Champions Cup encounter against Sporting Kansas City set for February 25. This opener has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season with Messi continuing to dazzle on American turf.