Argentinian player Tomás Avilés scored the first goal for the "Herons" five minutes into the first half, but shortly after was sent off with a direct red card. Taking advantage of the numerical advantage, the opposing team managed to overturn the score with goals from Mitja Ilenic and Alonso Martínez.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, also Argentine, received financial sanctions from the Disciplinary Committee of the American league after the draw between Inter Miami and New York City FC in the first round of the MLS. According to the official statement, they violated the rule prohibiting contact with the hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent.
In Suárez's case, he grabbed defender Birk Risadurante by the neck during halftime; while Messi did the same at the end of the match, arguing with an assistant from the opposing team. Despite the sanction, the MLS did not disclose the amount of the fines, and both players will be able to play in the next match of Inter Miami against Houston Dynamo.
The game against New York City was filled with excitement, and in added time of the second half, Telasco Segovia from Venezuela managed to equalize 2-2 for Javier Mascherano's team after an assist from Messi. Now, the "Herons" are preparing to face Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup this Tuesday at 10 PM (Argentine time).
So far, Inter Miami has not issued an official statement regarding the sanction of its two stars, Messi and Suárez.
