Inter Miami lose to Red Bulls as Messi's introduction makes no difference

Harrison, New Jersey hosted a match in which Inter Miami, despite having the ball, could not create a goal. The home side had 65.9 percent possession and completed 714 passes, but this advantage did not show on the pitch. The Red Bulls started the match well, with a strong performance from 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti, and took the lead thanks to an own goal from Casemiro.

Miami head coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez said after the match that the team's build-up play was slow and that there were unnecessary turnovers in midfield. Gonzalez said the team could not sustain the style of play that defines the team's identity. He also said they were left behind the defensive line by the opponent's passes played over the top.

Messi came on in the 56th minute. However, the 39-year-old star looked tired after recent long journeys. After Messi's introduction, Miami created more danger, but this improvement was not enough to change the score.

The Red Bulls trailed Miami in shots, but Miami's weakness in front of goal and Mehmeti's effective play decided the result. Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley said his team pressed without leaving Messi on his own. With this result, the Red Bulls remained in the play-off position in the Eastern Conference.