Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano has praised his team for its "soul" after it overcame a first-half red card to earn a draw against New York City FC at Chase Stadium on Saturday to kick off the 2025 MLS season.

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.

Major League Soccer season begins Saturday with Lionel Messi in prime time. Inter Miami will host New York City FC at 7:30p.m. ET.