MLS REFUSED Inter Miami request to postpone New York City game as head coach Javier Mascherano laments scheduling

Miami played in minus-eight temperatures in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City in midweek, with key players involved in alien conditions. They had to play New York City in their first MLS match of the season just three days later and the league refused to reschedule, despite the tough turnaround.

Miami fought hard to secure a 2-2 draw at home to NYCFC on Saturday night, despite Tomas Aviles receiving a red card in the 23rd minute. Lionel Messi came up with two assists, including for Telasco Segovia's dramatic 100th-minute equaliser.

As reported by ESPN's Lizzy Becherano, head coach Mascherano claimed post-match that MLS turned down a request to have the game moved to Sunday instead. Their already hectic scheduling at the start of the season has supposedly contributed to Fafa Picault and Marcelo Weigandt's injuries.

Miami are desperate to get their hands on a first MLS Cup, particularly considering Messi is in the last year of his contract and could leave at the end of the season. Their focus now turns to Sporting Kansas City in the reverse leg of the Champions Cup tie on Tuesday.