Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS season opener ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw against New York City FC, a match characterized by fluctuating fortunes and a late equalizer orchestrated by Lionel Messi. The home crowd witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as Miami took an early lead, endured a red card and subsequent deficit, and ultimately salvaged a point in the dying seconds of stoppage time. While the result wasn’t the ideal start for Javier Mascherano’s tenure as head coach, the performance underscored Messi’s continued influence and the team’s resilience.
The match began brightly for Miami, with Messi orchestrating the opening goal just five minutes into the game. His incisive pass found Tomas Aviles, who calmly slotted the ball home, giving the home side an early advantage. However, this promising start quickly unravelled. A potential muscle injury forced new signing Fafa Picault off the field early, disrupting the team’s attacking rhythm. The situation worsened when Aviles received a straight red card for a challenge on the edge of the box, leaving Miami to play the majority of the match with ten men. New York City FC capitalized on the numerical advantage, equalizing through Mitja Ilenic, who exploited disarray in the Miami defense following the resulting free-kick.
The second half saw Inter Miami struggle to regain control, their makeshift defense proving vulnerable. A costly error by Jordi Alba gifted New York City FC their second goal, as Alonso Martinez intercepted the misplaced pass and finished clinically past Oscar Ustari. Despite the setback, Miami pressed forward, searching for an equalizer. Messi, often isolated and lacking support, struggled to find his rhythm. Luis Suarez, ineffective throughout, was substituted shortly after New York took the lead. Despite chances created by Messi and Alba, Miami’s efforts seemed futile until the final moments of the game.
Deep into stoppage time, with the game seemingly lost, Messi produced a moment of magic. His perfectly weighted pass found Telasco Segovia, who lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to secure a dramatic equalizer for Miami. The late goal ignited celebrations and provided a much-needed point for the home side, preventing an opening day defeat. Messi’s contribution, not just in the final assist but his overall effort throughout the game, highlighted his vital role within the team.
Mascherano’s post-match comments emphasized Messi’s importance, describing him as the “soul” of the team. The coach praised not only Messi’s on-field brilliance but also his influence on his teammates, highlighting his willingness to contribute defensively and his tireless work ethic. While the draw was a less-than-ideal start to the season, the resilience shown by the team, coupled with Messi’s continued impact, offered a glimmer of hope for the future. Mascherano’s challenge will be to integrate the new signings, solidify the defense, and build a more cohesive unit capable of challenging for silverware.
Elsewhere in the MLS, opening weekend witnessed a flurry of goals and exciting debuts. Emmanuel Latte Lath, Atlanta United’s record signing, marked his arrival with a brace in a 3-2 victory over Montreal. Edwin Mosquera secured the win for Atlanta with a stunning late goal. Philadelphia Union, under new coach Bradley Carnell, enjoyed a convincing 4-2 win against Orlando City, with Tai Baribo scoring twice. Kevin Denkey, another high-profile signing, made an immediate impact for Cincinnati, scoring the winner against New York Red Bulls.
The opening weekend also saw Diego Rossi score a brace for Columbus Crew, handing Gregg Berhalter a defeat in his first game back in charge of Chicago Fire. The diverse range of results and the impressive performances of new signings set the stage for an intriguing MLS season. The league’s growing global appeal, fueled by significant investments and the arrival of marquee players, is generating increased excitement and anticipation for the season ahead. The opening weekend provided a glimpse of the talent on display and the competitive nature of the league, promising a thrilling and unpredictable season.
The opening round of matches showcased the dynamic and evolving nature of MLS. The arrival of high-profile players, coupled with the emergence of young talent, is transforming the league’s landscape. Inter Miami’s dramatic draw, while not the desired result, showcased the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi and the competitive spirit of the team. The other results across the league highlighted the unpredictable nature of MLS and the exciting possibilities for the season ahead. As the season progresses, the interplay between established stars and emerging talents will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the 2024 MLS campaign.
