Soccer-Messi shines as Inter Miami beat Real Salt Lake 2-0 in MLS season opener

Feb 21, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) kicks the ball against Real Salt Lake midfielder Braian Ojeda (6) during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) -Lionel Messi set up one goal and had a hand in another as Inter Miami weathered a Real Salt Lake storm after the break to emerge with a 2-0 victory in the opening match of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

Miami dominated the first half in Fort Lauderdale and broke through in the 39th minute when Messi split the defence to find Robert Taylor, whose low shot looked like it had been saved by Zac MacMath before it spun out of his arms and into the net.