Adri Mehmeti Steals Spotlight from Lionel Messi as New York Red Bulls Upset Inter Miami in MLS Playoff Race

The New York Red Bulls delivered a stunning blow to Inter Miami's playoff ambitions on Saturday, with Adri Mehmeti outshining global superstar Lionel Messi in a 2-1 victory at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mehmeti scored both goals for the home side, including a dramatic 89th-minute winner, while Messi managed only a single goal from the penalty spot. The result tightens the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Red Bulls moving within two points of Miami and holding a game in hand. For Inter Miami, the loss raises questions about their defensive fragility and over-reliance on Messi, who was largely contained by the Red Bulls' disciplined backline. With only a handful of matches remaining, every point is crucial, and this upset could prove pivotal in determining postseason seeding. The Red Bulls, meanwhile, continue their late-season surge under head coach Troy Lesesne, building momentum at the perfect time. As the regular season winds down, the battle for playoff positioning intensifies, and Saturday's result serves as a reminder that in MLS, no lead is safe and no superstar is untouchable.