Lionel Messi’s 12-game run ends as New York Red Bulls beat Inter Miami

New York Red Bulls ended Lionel Messi’s run of goal contributions as they beat Inter Miami 2-0 in the 31st round of the MLS season.

Messi came on as a second-half substitute but could not prevent Inter Miami from suffering defeat at New York Red Bulls’ home ground.

The result lifted New York Red Bulls to 39 points and ninth place in the group. Inter Miami remain second on 55 points.

The defeat brought an end to Messi’s sequence of contributing at least one goal or assist in 12 consecutive matches for Inter Miami.

New York Red Bulls took the lead when Inter Miami player Casemiro scored an own goal.

Messi entered the match in the 56th minute, replacing Felipe Riquelme.

Inter Miami were unable to find an equaliser before New York Red Bulls sealed the win in the 91st minute. Emile Forsberg finished from Cameron Harper’s pass in front of an unguarded goal.

Inter Miami had already secured qualification for the MLS play-offs before the match.

They will play their next game against Cincinnati on Thursday, 29 October.