Lionel Messi came off the bench in the 56th minute but couldn't prevent Inter Miami's three-game win streak ending in a 2-0 loss at Red Bull New York on Saturday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had traveled to Oviedo, Spain, on Thursday to receive the Princess of Asturias award, prompting coach Cristian "Kily" González to rest him initially.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro put the hosts ahead with a seventh-minute own goal under pressure from teenage striker Julian Hall. Messi's introduction sparked Miami, and a defense-splitting pass led to Telasco Segovia hitting the crossbar. However, Emil Forsberg sealed the win late on from a Cameron Harper assist.
The defeat ended Messi's streak of 13 straight games with a goal contribution for club and country. Miami remain second, 15 points behind Nashville, which clinched the Supporters' Shield. González acknowledged "too many turnovers" and vowed to rediscover their style before Wednesday's home match against FC Cincinnati.
The three points lift the Red Bulls into a playoff position with three regular-season games remaining.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing