Lionel Messi bags 2 assists as Inter Miami held by New York City in MLS Opener

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had a rough start to the new Major League Soccer season, drawing 2-2 at home against New York City FC.

On Wednesday night, Lionel Messi scored the lone goal in Inter Miami's 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match despite the bitter cold.

Miami were led by new head coach Javier Mascherano for the first time in Major League Soccer (MLS) this season.

Although they had several new players, they appeared haphazard and unprepared for the majority of the match.

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The largely ineffective Luis Suarez was providing Messi with nothing in the way of good service and support and was replaced.

After Argentine defender Tomas Aviles was sent off, Miami played the majority of the game with ten men.

Both of Miami's goals—including the equalizer in the tenth minute of stoppage time—were assisted by Messi.

Inter Miami who broke the regular season points record the previous season before losing badly in the first round of the playoffs were unable to start with three points.