Lionel Messi did have to find the back of the net to make an impact as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with New York City FC in their MLS season opener at Chase Stadium.
The Argentine’s heroics came in the form of his playmaking as he assisted both goals for the Herons in the opening and closing minutes of the contest.
Messi played a square pass to Thomas Aviles to open the scoring and found Telasco Segovia through the traffic in the dying minutes of stoppage time. As a result, Miami redeemed itself from an otherwise sloppy performance to salvage a point at home.
After scoring the opening goal for Javier Mascherano’s side in the fifth minute, Aviles proved to be the losing factor when he was sent off in the 23rd.
Following his exit, NYCFC capitalized on the numerical advantage as Messi and the Herons failed to find any progress through the match.
Mitja Ilenic leveled the game in the 26th and Alonso Martinez gave the New Yorkers padding in the 55th.
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