Inter Miami Lose 2-0 to New York Red Bulls Despite Messi’s Second-Half Appearance

Inter Miami’s three-match winning streak came to an end with a 2-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls. The Florida-based club started the match without Lionel Messi and fell behind early. Although the Argentine star came on in the second half, Miami could not avoid defeat and conceded another goal late in the game.

Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s starting lineup for Friday’s match in New York. Earlier that evening, he received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2026 at a ceremony held at Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Spain. He returned to the United States and joined his Miami teammates on Sunday.

Inter Miami fell behind in the seventh minute after a mistake by teammate Casemiro resulted in an own goal. The visitors pushed to equalise, and Messi was introduced in the 55th minute of the match. However, his arrival failed to produce the breakthrough Miami needed.

In the first minute of stoppage time after the regulation 90 minutes, Emil Forsberg scored to double New York’s advantage. Inter Miami eventually left the field with a 2-0 defeat.

Despite the loss, Miami have already secured their place in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs, where the battle for the league championship begins. Meanwhile, the Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record across both conferences.

Inter Miami currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. Nashville are in first place, followed by New England in second.