Messi Comes On But Cannot Prevent Defeat: Casemiro Own Goal Starts It, Inter Miami Lose 2-0 to New York Red Bulls
After three straight wins in Major League Soccer, Inter Miami's winning run has stopped. Lionel Messi came on at the start of the second half but could not save his team from defeat. The New York Red Bulls, who went ahead through an own goal by former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, finally beat Miami 2-0.
Messi was not on the field from the start in Saturday's match. Miami coach Cristian 'Kily' Gonzalez had kept him on the bench because of a busy travel schedule.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had gone to Oviedo, Spain on Thursday. The next day he received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The decision to rest him was taken after that long journey.
After the match, Gonzalez said the decision not to start Messi had been taken beforehand. In his words, it was decided in advance. Of course, he travelled a long way. There were many issues including the time difference and temperature change. We were fully aware of all that. So it was decided this would be the best way for him, especially so that he does not get injured, because there is another match on Wednesday.
He added that the aim was to give him rest and bring him on for some time today. As always, he played well, the coach commented.
Miami fell behind to an own goal in just the seventh minute. Under pressure from young US striker Julian Hall, Casemiro turned Cade Cowell's cross into his own net. New York stayed ahead in the first half through that goal.
Messi came on in the 56th minute. The Argentine star, the top scorer in Major League Soccer this season with 25 goals, added pace to Miami's attack with his presence. He also delighted the spectators in the gallery in Harrison, New Jersey with some of his familiar moments.
Miami got their best chance to equalise from a defence-splitting pass by Messi. But Telasco Segovia's shot hit the crossbar and came back. The visitors thus missed the chance to level.
Miami then became desperate to equalise. Taking that opportunity, late in the match Emil Forsberg doubled New York's lead with an easy finish from Cameron Harper's pass. With that, Miami's hopes of a comeback ended.
Despite the loss, Miami retained second place in the points table before the rest of the weekend's matches. They are 15 points behind Nashville, who secured the Supporters' Shield title at the start of the day.
Miami will play at home against FC Cincinnati next Wednesday. Keeping Messi fully fit for that match was part of the coach's plan, his post-match comments indicated.
