HARRISON, N.J. – As the sun set, fans in pink jerseys filled the stands, eager to witness a spectacle. However, it was 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti who stole the show, leading Red Bull New York to a 2-0 victory over reigning MLS Cup champions Inter Miami. Miami fell behind early due to a Casemiro own goal, setting the tone for a disappointing night.

Despite Lionel Messi’s presence, Miami struggled to convert their 65.9% possession into meaningful attacks. They recorded 906 touches and completed 86.3% of their 714 passes, yet failed to impose themselves on the game. Head coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez lamented their inability to maintain their playing style, citing turnovers and a lack of compactness as key issues.

The Red Bulls, although not the most dominant team, effectively exploited Miami's weaknesses. They created 19 shots and had 3.24 expected goals but were wasteful in front of goal. Mehmeti's standout performance was pivotal, showcasing maturity and vision that impressed teammates and coaches alike.

Messi entered the match in the 56th minute, but at 39 years old and after international travel, he lacked the spark required to turn the tide. He generated just 0.13 expected goals and created two chances, leading to questions about Miami's reliance on him.

With three games left in the regular season, Gonzalez's record mirrors that of his predecessor, and Miami now faces a critical juncture as they prepare for the playoffs. The challenges they face may be too significant for even Messi to resolve alone.