Messi starts on bench as Inter Miami loses to Red Bulls

Early trouble for Miami

Inter Miami saw a three-game win streak come to an end with a 2-0 loss at Red Bull New York on Saturday. Lionel Messi began the match among the substitutes. He had 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 entered the game in the 56th minute, Miami was already trailing. Former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro scored an own goal in the seventh minute. He turned a Cade Cowell cross into his own net under pressure from United States teenage striker Julian Hall.

Messi spark not enough

Messi is the top scorer in the MLS this season with 25 goals. His 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 winner eventually led to Miami's best chance of an equalizer. 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.

The defeat also brought an end to Messi's streak of 13 straight games for club and country with a goal contribution. Miami remained in second place ahead of the rest of the weekend schedule, sitting 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 climbed into a playoff position with three games of the regular season remaining.