Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls: Lionel Messi Subbed On in 2-0 Defeat

New York Red Bulls Edge Inter Miami 2-0 as Lionel Messi Starts on the Bench

Lionel Messi returned from Europe to log 35 minutes off the bench, but Inter Miami still fell 2-0 to the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer action at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, as reported by the Associated Press. The defeat halted a three-match winning streak for the Florida side and dropped them to second place in the Eastern Conference standings with 55 points. Inter Miami arrived at 55 points to sit in second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Red Bulls held above the playoff qualification line with 39 points to rank ninth in the MLS. Prior to the match, Messi tallied 25 goals this season — five more than anyone else at the start of the game — alongside 15 assists that had him tied with Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min for the league lead.

Early Own Goal Sets the Tone in Harrison

The visiting side’s strategy unraveled just seven minutes into the fixture when midfielder Casemiro accidentally turned a crossed ball into his own net while trying to clear danger in the penalty area, according to Infobae. The early breakthrough provided the hosts with an immediate advantage that they protected through a disciplined defensive block. The home side climbed to eighth place in the conference with 39 points following the result, improving their chances for a direct playoff berth. Julian Hall missed a header in the six-yard box that sent the ball centimeters away from the crossbar, and the local side also saw Ronald Donkor collect his tenth assist — the highest figure of his career.

Messi Enters After Intermission Following European Trip

Messi joined the travelling party in New Jersey just hours after flying back from Spain, where he received the prestigious 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award on Friday, Infobae reported. Manager Cristian Kily González kept his captain on the bench for the opening half, during which Inter Miami failed to register a single shot on target. Messi replaced Riquelme Fillipi in the 56th minute to try and spark the attack, but the visitors struggled to break down a resolute home defense. The 20-year-old youth player Riquelme Fillipi arrived last September from Palmeiras, and his entry marked the squad’s sole lineup change. With the substitute appearance, the 10 cut short a streak of 13 matches with goal or assist contributions.

Forsberg Secures the Result Late in Stoppage Time

The hosts maintained their narrow lead until the opening minute of second-half stoppage time, when substitute Emil Forsberg scored his fourth goal of the campaign to seal the 2-0 scoreline, the Associated Press noted. Forsberg converted into an empty net after receiving a pass from Cameron Harper, who advanced unchecked down the right flank. The strike arrived shortly after Inter Miami came close to equalizing when Ethan Horvath stopped an attempt by Santiago Morales and Telasco Segovia rattled the crossbar, as detailed by Yahoo Deportes.

Nashville Secures Supporters Shield as Inter Miami Falls

With the loss, Inter Miami lost all mathematical possibilities of catching Nashville in the race for the Supporters’ Shield, the trophy awarded to the regular-season points leader. Nashville secured the shield with a 2-0 victory over Montreal, reaching 70 points to lead the league. Inter Miami remains securely positioned in the Eastern Conference playoff field as the club looks toward its upcoming fixture against Cincinnati on Wednesday. Nashville reached 70 points with goals from Sam Surridge and Harry Mukhtar to stay unbeaten across seven duels, leaving them four points shy of the league record established by Messi and Miami in 2025.

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