Tata Martino refuses to use Lionel Messi's absence as excuse

Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino slammed his players after a heavy loss to New York Red Bulls, which he refused to put down to Lionel Messi's absence.

Lewis Morgan netted a hat-trick against his former club while Wikelman Carmona found the back of the net as the New York Red Bulls handed the Herons their first defeat of the current MLS season. Manager Martino, who missed the services of Lionel Messi due to an injury, refused to cite his star player's absence as an excuse.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the former Barcelona coach said: "There is not much to say, except that we were outmatched from start to finish. When a team enters a game without the desire to win, without spirit, without competing, and the other side just wants to win the game, they are going to win it."