Lionel Messi Gets an Assist, Inter Miami Opens MLS Season With 2–0 Win Over Real Salt Lake

Lionel Messi Gets an Assist, Inter Miami Opens MLS Season With 2–0 Win Over Real Salt Lake
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi takes a free kick during the first half of the team's MLS soccer match against Real Salt Lake in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Feb. 21, 2024. Lynne Sladky/AP Photo
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—Lionel Messi had two Real Salt Lake defenders on either side of him, two more a few yards in front of him. He quickly tapped the ball away from them all with his left foot, to a spot where only teammate Robert Taylor could reach.

Moments later, Inter Miami had the first goal of the Major League Soccer season.