Inter Miami suffered a 2–0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls after an early Casemiro own goal put the visitors on the back foot. Lionel Messi came on in the second half but could not inspire a comeback, bringing an end to his run of scoring in 13 consecutive matches for club and country.

The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Jorge Ruvalcaba delivered a cross from the right towards Julian Hall, and Casemiro inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to make the clearance.

It was the Brazilian midfielder’s second own goal in his first season with Inter Miami. He had previously scored an own goal against Columbus Crew in August.

Miami struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half. Despite enjoying approximately 65 per cent of possession, they managed just one shot on target. The Red Bulls, with around 35 per cent possession, registered 19 attempts, seven of which were on target.

Messi was left out of the starting lineup because of travel fatigue after travelling to Spain to receive the Princess of Asturias Award. He entered the match in the 56th minute and brought greater urgency to Miami’s attack, producing several moments of his trademark creativity.

In the 84th minute, Messi split the opposition defence with a precise pass to Santiago Morales. The forward’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, while Telasco Segovia struck the crossbar with the rebound, denying Miami a chance to equalise.

The Red Bulls had opportunities to extend their lead earlier in the match but failed to convert several clear chances. Emil Forsberg finally sealed the victory with a goal in the first minute of stoppage time.

After the match, Miami coach Kiley Gonzalez explained that Messi’s delayed introduction had been planned in advance. The long journey to Spain, the change in time zones and the need to manage his physical condition ahead of another match all influenced the decision.

The coach also accepted responsibility for the defeat rather than blaming individual players. He admitted that Miami struggled to control the midfield and build attacks from the back.

“I am not satisfied, and neither are the players. But this is a necessary lesson and a warning for us. We cannot become complacent or assume that everything will be easy.”

Inter Miami had already secured their place in the playoffs, but the defeat dropped them to third in the standings, with New England moving into second. Nashville, 15 points clear at the top, had secured the Supporters’ Shield.

For Miami, the loss highlighted areas that need improvement. For Messi, it marked the end of a 13-match scoring streak across club and international football.