Lionel Messi unable to rescue Inter Miami in 2-0 defeat by New York Red Bulls

Inter Miami’s hopes of mounting a comeback faded as they were beaten 2-0 by New York Red Bulls, despite Lionel Messi coming off the bench in the second half.

The visitors fell behind in the seventh minute when Casemiro turned the ball into his own net, giving New York Red Bulls an early advantage.

Inter Miami struggled to play out from the back and repeatedly allowed their hosts to create dangerous openings. Their goalkeeper, Canadian Dayne St. Clair, kept the deficit to one with several important saves, including efforts to deny Ronald Donkor, Mexico forward Jorge Rovalcaba and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Messi was introduced in the 56th minute in place of Rikelme Felipe as Inter Miami attempted to get back into the game. The 39-year-old helped his side apply more pressure, but New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath stood firm.

Inter Miami came close to equalising in the 84th minute when Horvath saved Santiago Morales’ attempt. Venezuela international Telasco Segovia then struck the crossbar, with the missed chances ultimately proving costly.

New York Red Bulls secured victory in stoppage time when Sweden international Emil Forsberg scored in the 91st minute after being set up by Cameron Harper.

Major League Soccer’s official social media account highlighted the opening goal with the caption: “Adri Mehmeti starts it with some filthy tekkers 😱 Julian Hall opens the scoring against @InterMiamiCF!” It later described Forsberg’s second goal as “the exclamation point” as New York Red Bulls completed the win.

Despite the defeat, Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference on 55 points. They trail Nashville by 15 points, with Nashville having already secured the Supporters’ Shield after beating Montreal 2-0.

The Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the best record in the Major League Soccer regular season. Nashville moved on to 70 points with three matches remaining and claimed the trophy for the first time in the club’s history, according to Mundo Deportivo.