The sights and sounds of an Inter Miami away trip are familiar a year into the Lionel Messi experience. There's pre-match discussion about ticket prices and attendance records being set. Fellow travelers on the subway ask Messi jersey-sporting strangers when and where he's about to play.

It is safe to say that Lionel Messi has been a hit signing for Inter Miami. The global superstar previously sent shockwaves through the soccer world when he opted to join the club in the summer of 2023.

James Sands recorded his first MLS goal for New York City FC during stoppage time to help his team salvage a point with a 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami on Saturday afternoon at Yankee