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.

Javier Mascherano confirmed some players will miss Inter Miami's MLS opener on Saturday after playing in minus-eight degrees on Wednesday evening.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed not all players will be available for the 2025 MLS season opener against New York City FC on Saturday night at Chase Stadium after what he called an "unprecedented" turnaround for the club.

Mascherano’s fingerprints are on the 2025 roster, as he brought in 25-year-old Argentine winger Tadeo Allende, on loan from Celta Vigo, 23-year-old Argentine defender Gonzalo Luján from San Lorenzo, 21-year-old Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia, 22-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo and 27-year-old Uruguayan center back Maxi Falcon.

Inter Miami broke records in MLS last season, and now must continue with a new, inexperienced coach and a new GM with Messi's backing.

Lionel Messi was the recipient of a strange request from a referee on Thursday after leading Inter Miami to their first win of the season against Sporting KC. Javier Mascherano's side came out on top in freezing conditions,