Lionel Messi and Inter Miami endured a frustrating start to the new MLS season, battling to a 2-2 draw against New York City FC at home on Saturday.
Despite Messi providing two assists, including a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, Miami struggled, playing most of the match with 10 men after Tomas Aviles was sent off in the 23rd minute.
With new head coach Javier Mascherano making his MLS debut after replacing Gerardo Martino, Miami looked disjointed, unable to dominate as expected despite their star-studded lineup.
Miami made a perfect start, taking the lead in just the fifth minute when Messi slipped a pass to Aviles, who calmly slotted home.
Fafa Picault, one of Miami’s new signings, limped off in the 10th minute with a suspected muscle injury. Then, Aviles’ night turned disastrous as he received a straight red card for bringing down Alonso Martinez on the edge of the box.
New York capitalised immediately, with Maxi Moralez delivering a clever free kick to Mitja Ilenic, who fired into the bottom corner to level the score.
Playing with a makeshift defence, Miami struggled to contain New York’s attacks. In the 55th minute, veteran defender Jordi Alba gifted NYCFC a goal, misplacing a pass that allowed Martinez to race through and score past Oscar Ustari.
Messi, struggling to find space, saw Luis Suárez have another quiet outing before being substituted soon after the goal.
With Miami pressing for an equaliser, Messi nearly found the net with a free kick, while Federico Redondo missed a golden chance from Alba’s pullback.
But, in the 10th minute of stoppage time, Messi provided the moment of brilliance Miami needed—threading a perfectly weighted pass to Telasco Segovia, who lifted the ball over Matt Freese for the equaliser.
Elsewhere in MLS action, Emmanuel Latte Lath scored twice on his Atlanta United debut, leading his team to a 3-2 win over Montreal.
Philadelphia Union made a strong start under new coach Bradley Carnell, securing a 4-2 victory over Orlando City.
Columbus Crew spoiled Gregg Berhalter’s return as Chicago Fire manager, winning 4-2 with Diego Rossi scoring twice.
Togo international Kevin Denkey, a $16 million signing, marked his FC Cincinnati debut with a goal in a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls.
Defending champions LA Galaxy will open their season on Sunday, facing San Diego FC in their MLS debut.
While Miami avoided a humbling defeat, Mascherano’s men will need to find cohesion quickly if they are to live up to their billing as title contenders.
