Inter Miami’s three-match winning streak came to an end on Saturday night after a 2-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls, despite Lionel Messi’s second-half introduction at the Red Bull Arena. The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute when former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder…...
Inter Miami’s three-match winning streak came to an end on Saturday night after a 2-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls, despite Lionel Messi’s second-half introduction at the Red Bull Arena.
The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute when former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro inadvertently turned a dangerous cross from Cade Cowell into his own net, putting Miami on the back foot.
Inter Miami enjoyed 62.5 per cent possession but struggled to make their dominance count, managing only two shots on target from their attempts. The Red Bulls, meanwhile, created more opportunities, recording 18 shots as they capitalised on Miami’s lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Messi started the encounter on the bench following a busy week that included a trip to Oviedo, Spain, to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The decision to manage his playing time was made ahead of the match, with another fixture scheduled for Wednesday.
The Argentine forward entered the game in the 56th minute, with Miami hoping their leading scorer could inspire a comeback.
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Messi, who had scored 25 MLS goals this season before the encounter, immediately brought greater urgency to Miami’s attack. His trademark vision created openings, but his teammates failed to convert the chances into goals.
The defeat also ended Messi’s run of 13 consecutive matches for club and country in which he had registered a goal or an assist.
Inter Miami manager Cristian “Kily” González said the decision to start Messi on the bench had been agreed upon in advance to minimise injury risks while ensuring the captain could feature ahead of Wednesday’s game.
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González added that Messi performed well after coming on, but the Red Bulls remained organised and prevented Miami from finding a breakthrough.
Miami came close to equalising late in the second half when substitute Telasco Segovia struck the crossbar following a pass from Messi.
However, the visitors were unable to take advantage of the opportunity, and New York sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time.
Emil Forsberg finished off a precise pass from Cameron Harper to score the second goal, ending any hopes of a late comeback and securing all three points for the hosts.
The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, 15 points behind Nashville, who secured the Supporters’ Shield earlier in the day.
The victory, meanwhile, moved the New York Red Bulls into a playoff position with three regular-season matches remaining.
Inter Miami will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s clash against FC Cincinnati as they seek to recover from the setback and strengthen their position ahead of the MLS playoffs.