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.

It's going to be a very busy spring, summer, and fall for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, who are led by Javier Mascherano in their defense of the Supporters' Shield and quest for a first MLS Cup.

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.