Inter Miami faced a tough day at the office without Lionel Messi, who is still sidelined due to a knee tendon injury.
Lewis Morgan netted a hat-trick with an assist to lead the New York Red Bulls to a 4-0 victory over Inter Miami in a rainy and chilly Saturday afternoon match Right there at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
The loss marks Inter Miami’s second in the 2024 MLS regular season, both coming without Messi.
Initially, Messi is expected to return for Inter Miami’s matches against Mexican club Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals. The first leg is on April 3rd and the second leg on April 10th.
Morgan, a former Inter Miami player, scored in the 3rd, 51st, and 70th minutes to complete his hat-trick, while providing an assist to Yecliman Carmona in the 66th minute for the Red Bulls.
Inter Miami nearly scored in the 77th minute, but Noah Allen’s goal was overturned by VAR. Otherwise, it was a disappointing outing as former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets led the way without Messi.
The loss reduces Inter Miami’s goal difference in the league from +8 to +4, as both teams played without six players on international duty during this week’s FIFA international window.
So, here’s the deal: Inter Miami went into the game neck and neck with the MLS Cup champs, Columbus Crew, sharing the top spot in the Eastern Conference with 10 points each. But, hey, there’s a chance they might slide down the rankings after this Saturday’s round six league matches.
Inter Miami was without standout goalkeeper Drake Callender (USA); midfielders Diego Gomez (Paraguay), Federico Redondo (Argentina U23), David Ruiz (Honduras); forward Schneider Borgelin (Haiti); and defender Israel Betrayt (Dominican Republic U23). Nico Firer (knee tendons) also didn’t play.
New York Red Bulls shone without goalkeeper Carlos Coronel (Paraguay); forward Cory Burke (Jamaica); midfielders Emil Forsberg (Sweden), Daniel Edelman (USA U23); defenders John Tolkin (USA U23), and Noah Ilic (Sweden U21).