Red Bull New York 2-0 Inter Miami: Without Messi, Miami Have Nothing | MLS Report

Inter Miami's reliance on Lionel Messi was laid bare at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, as Cristian González's side slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Red Bull New York. According to ARENA LIVE, it was a lacklustre performance from Miami, who only sparked into life after Messi entered the fray in the second half — and even then, it was too late.

Key Moments:

7' - Casemiro (Own Goal): Red Bull New York took the lead through a Casemiro own goal.
56' - Lionel Messi: Messi came on for Riquelme Fillipi, sparking hope for the visitors.
64' - New York Change: Cameron Harper replaced Cade Cowell.
66' - Miami Double Change: Santiago Morales and Ian Fray replaced Matías Galarza and Gonzalo Luján.
73' - Miami Change: Telasco Segovia replaced Germán Berterame.
74' - Miami Change: Yannick Bright replaced David Ayala.
76' - New York Double Change: Sekou Kone and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting replaced Mohammed Sofo and Jorge Ruvalcaba.
80' - Julián Bazán (Yellow Card): A booking for the New York defender.
85' - New York Double Change: Emil Forsberg and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty replaced Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall.
90'+1 - Emil Forsberg: New York sealed the win through Forsberg.
90'+4 - Santiago Morales (Yellow Card): A late booking for the Miami midfielder.

Messi's Tired Cameo: Messi, who had returned from Spain after receiving the Princess of Asturias Award in Oviedo, was visibly fatigued and unable to spark a comeback. The Argentine had travelled to Spain earlier in the week to accept the prestigious award, which was handed to him by Princess Leonor, becoming the first footballer to win the sports category individually. His exhaustion from the trip was evident as he struggled to influence the game.

The Princess of Asturias Award: A Historic Honour: The Princess of Asturias Award is one of Spain's most prestigious honours, often described as the country's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Established in 1981 as the Prince of Asturias Awards, the prizes are presented annually by the Princess of Asturias Foundation across eight categories, including arts, literature, scientific research, international cooperation, and sports. The sports award includes a Joan Miró sculpture, a diploma, an insignia, and €50,000.

Messi's selection was historic on multiple levels. He became the first footballer to win the sports award individually, following previous football honours for Brazil's national team in 2002, Spain's national team in 2010, and Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernández jointly in 2012. The jury, which announced the decision on June 3, chose Messi from 27 candidates representing 12 nationalities. Beyond his 47 career trophies and eight Ballon d'Or awards, the foundation highlighted his philanthropic work, particularly his efforts to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010. The jury also praised his humility, teamwork, and exemplary conduct on the pitch.

The Controversy: Calls for Revocation: The award, however, was not without controversy. Following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Spanish fans launched a campaign on Change.org, creating approximately 30 petitions demanding that the Princess of Asturias Foundation revoke or reconsider Messi's award. The petitioners argued that Messi's behaviour during the final and the subsequent trophy ceremony was "unsportsmanlike and contrary to the values of respect and fair play" that the award upholds. Specific criticisms included his reaction to the defeat and his conduct during the presentation ceremony. One petition gathered over 1,500 signatures.

The Foundation did not revoke the award, and Messi received it as planned in Oviedo on October 23. The controversy, however, added a layer of drama to an already historic achievement.

A Reliance Exposed: Without Messi from the start, Miami looked toothless, generating just 0.81 xG from 12 shots, with only two on target. Once he came on, Miami improved but still lacked the cutting edge that has defined their season. The contrast was stark: with Messi on the bench, Miami had no answer to New York's intensity.

New York's Commanding Display: Adri Mehmeti was the standout performer for New York, earning a match rating of 7.9. Ethan Horvath (7.8) and Dylan Nealis (7.7) were also key as New York generated 3.31 xG from 19 shots, with six on target.

Match Details:

Competition: Major League Soccer
Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
Referee: Filip Dujic
Attendance: Not available

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