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

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.