Lionel Messi was in the starting lineup for Inter Miami’s MLS season opener against NYCFC Saturday night, 72 hours after scoring the lone goal in a Concacaf Champions Cup win at Sporting KC in frigid weather conditions. It was a balmy 68 degrees for the MLS game at Chase Stadium, much more comfortable for Messi and his teammates.

Following the disappointing end to 2024, Lionel Messi begins the quest for redemption as Inter Miami open their 2025 MLS campaign with a home match against NYCFC on Saturday. The Herons won the Supporters' Shield last year as the best team across the MLS regular season,

Despite crashing out of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs against Atlanta United, Miami were by far the best team through the regular season. With 22 wins in 34 matches, they hit 74 points to set a new single-season MLS points record, all while missing Lionel Messi for over a third of the season.