In a dramatic MLS season opener for both teams, Inter Miami fought to a 2-2 draw with New York City FC, despite playing most of the match with 10 men. The game featured an unforgettable MLS debut for Telasco Segovia, who scored a stunning equalizer in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time. Lionel Messi played a crucial role with two assists, while Tomas Aviles opened the scoring for Miami in the fifth minute, but his night would take a turn after a costly red card in the 23rd minute.
Miami took an early lead when Aviles found the back of the net in the fifth minute. Messi and Jordi Alba combined beautifully, setting up Aviles with a precise ball to break the deadlock. However, just minutes later, the game took a dramatic twist when Aviles was sent off for denying Alonso Martinez an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Aviles’ red card left Miami down to 10 men, and NYCFC seized the opportunity.
From the ensuing free kick, Maxi Moralez passed the ball to Mitja Ilenic on the right side of the penalty area. Ilenic, in his first appearance for NYCFC, made no mistake, sliding a low finish past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to level the score at 1-1.
The momentum shifted in NYCFC’s favor after the break. In the 55th minute, Jordi Alba, attempting a square pass, misplayed the ball straight into the path of Martinez. The NYCFC striker, who scored 16 goals in the 2024 campaign, made no mistake, calmly finishing past Ustari to give the visitors the lead.
Despite being a man down, Inter Miami refused to give up, pushing for an equalizer throughout the second half. Messi had a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute, but NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese made a crucial save to deny him. In the 80th minute, Federico Redondo also squandered a chance when he fired wide on a good opportunity.
The game seemed destined for a New York City victory, but referee Alexis Da Silva added a staggering 11 minutes of stoppage time due to injuries and video review delays. In the dying moments of the match, Segovia made his mark. The 21-year-old Venezuelan, who had entered the game in the 59th minute, picked up a pass from midfield with his back to goal, quickly finding Messi to his left. Segovia then made a blistering run forward, and Messi returned the ball into his path. With Freese rushing toward him, Segovia displayed remarkable composure, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw for Miami.
It was a thrilling match that showcased Inter Miami’s resilience and Segovia’s promise, while Messi continued to show why he is one of the most influential players in the world. Despite being a man down and facing a tough NYCFC side, Miami managed to salvage a point in a season opener that will be remembered for its drama, late-game heroics, and the debut of a new star.
