Lionel Messi came off the bench early in the second half but couldn’t prevent Inter Miami‘s three-game win streak coming to an end with a 2-0 loss at Red Bull New York on Saturday.
Messi began the game among the substitutes after a hectic travel schedule that saw him travel to Oviedo, Spain, on Thursday to receive the Princess of Asturias award for Sports the following day.
By the time Messi, MLS‘ top scorer this season with 25 goals, entered the game in the 56th minute, Miami was trailing to a seventh minute own goal from former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.
The former Brazil international turned a Cade Cowell cross into his own net under pressure from United States teenage striker Julian Hall.
Messi’s introduction provided a spark for Miami and some trademark magic moments to impress the crowd in Harrison, New Jersey. A defense-splitting pass from the eight-time Ballon d’Or eventually led to Miami’s best chance of an equalizer, when Telasco Segovia struck a shot against the crossbar.
But as Miami continued to chase a goal late on, New York’s Emil Forsberg supplied a simple finish from a Cameron Harper pass to put the game beyond the visitors’ reach.
As well as ending Miami’s run of victories, the game also saw Messi’s streak of 13 straight games for club and country with a goal contribution come to an end.
Miami remained in second place ahead of the rest of the weekend’s schedule, 15 points behind Nashville, which clinched the Supporters’ Shield title earlier in the day.
It was a big three points for the Red Bulls, who climb into a playoff position with three games of the regular season remaining.
