On the morning of February 23, Messi scored a spectacular double assist to help Inter Miami equalize the score 2-2 in the last minute against rival New York City FC, on the opening day of the MLS (American professional soccer league) season at home.
Messi helped Inter Miami take an early 1-0 lead in the 5th minute when he provided a beautiful assist for Tomas Aviles to score. But Tomas Aviles himself then received a direct red card in the 23rd minute for fouling the opponent right in front of the penalty area, putting the home team in a difficult situation.

Tomas Aviles received a red card early, making it difficult for Messi and Inter Miami

Taking advantage of the opportunity to play with one more player and get a free kick, player Mitja Ilenic scored the equalizer 1-1 for New York City FC in the 26th minute. In the second half, the away team continued to put pressure and soon had a goal to take the lead 2-1 thanks to Alonso Martinez’s goal in the 55th minute.

Thanks to Messi’s tireless efforts, until the suffocating extra time, the Argentine star finally brought sweet results for Inter Miami. In which, Messi made the second assist of the match to help player Telasco Segovia score the equalizer 2-2 in the 90+10 minute.

At the end of the match, Messi received a yellow card in the 90+15 minute of extra time, due to heated arguments with the referee. Including the situation of giving Aviles a red card that was considered too harsh, Inter Miami ignoring a penalty in the second half after checking VAR…

Messi and his teammates, from a seemingly dream start, became extremely difficult due to playing with one less player early on. Coach Mascherano also had to make substitutions very early, when rookie striker Fafa Picault left the field in the 10th minute due to injury and was replaced by Robert Taylor.

Messi worked tirelessly to win back 1 point for Inter Miami

Messi tried his best since Inter Miami were down a man. However, the 37-year-old alone could not change the situation, although he continuously created opportunities and found hope through his favorite free kicks. New York City FC’s defense and goalkeeper Matt Freese played very solidly to limit all the “magic” from Messi.

In addition, Messi’s close teammate, veteran striker Suarez, had a day of playing below his best due to physical effects. Jordi Alba and Busquets always had many difficulties due to the close monitoring of New York City FC players.

It was not until the extra minutes, thanks to Messi’s tireless efforts, that Inter Miami regained 1 point right at home.

After the opening match of the MLS season, Messi and Inter Miami are preparing to meet their opponent Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, also at home at 8:00 a.m. on February 26 (Inter Miami won the first leg 1-0).