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

Caspian Hollingsworth
Mar 10 2025
0 Comments

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.

Latest posts

What are some examples of cultural relativism in America?

Cultural relativism is the idea that the beliefs, values, and practices of a particular culture must be understood in their own context and not judged by the standards of another culture. In America, there are many examples of cultural relativism in action. These include recognizing and respecting the cultural practices of Native American tribes, the celebration of religious holidays from different faiths, and the appreciation of cultural diversity in the workplace. Cultural relativism also encourages people to take into account the cultural context of any given situation and to consider the impact of their own cultural background and experiences on their view of the world.
SpaceX Starship Debris Lights Up Southwest Florida Sky, Causes Flight Delays

SpaceX's Starship test flight on March 7, 2025, catapulted debris across Southwest Florida, mesmerizing the night sky. The explosion caused air traffic disruptions and flight delays as the FAA issued alerts across the Atlantic region.
Inter Miami Triumphs Over Sporting Kansas City in Concacaf Champions Cup Opener

Inter Miami CF claimed a 1-0 win against Sporting Kansas City in the opening leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round One. Lionel Messi's second-half goal, assisted by Sergio Busquets, sealed the victory. Miami maintained control, with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari making vital saves. Sporting's Jacob attempt and changes with Manu Garcia and Dejan Joveljic didn’t alter the game, setting the stage for a decisive leg in Fort Lauderdale.
Lionel Messi Shines with Two Assists in Inter Miami's Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against NYCFC

Lionel Messi showcased his playmaking prowess with two crucial assists as Inter Miami managed a thrilling 2-2 draw with NYCFC despite playing a man down for most of the match. Defender Tomás Avilés scored early but was sent off shortly after, making room for NYCFC to capitalize. Substitute Telasco Segovia secured the equalizer in dramatic stoppage time, marking a memorable MLS debut.
Beyoncé Achieves Album of the Year Triumph at 2025 Grammys with 'Cowboy Carter'

Beyoncé has secured the prestigious Album of the Year trophy at the 2025 Grammys with her compelling work, 'Cowboy Carter'. This win marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career, following numerous nominations in previous years. During her heartfelt acceptance speech, she paid tribute to firefighters, particularly those combating the wildfires in California, and expressed deep appreciation to her collaborators.