Tata Martino refuses to use Lionel Messi's absence as excuse for New York Red Bulls humiliation as he rages at Inter Miami flops for lack of 'desire & spirit' in MLS clash

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 on Saturday. Manager Martino, who missed the services of Lionel Messi due to an injury, refused to cite his star player's absence as an excuse for the loss as he slammed the other players in the squad.

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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. The absence of the best player in the world is important for everyone - but last week with D.C. Leo didn’t play either."

Messi had to be subbed off during the club's CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Nashville earlier this month and since then he has remained out of action. The Argentine missed the club's MLS clash against DC United and then was removed from the Argentina squad for their international friendlies.

Martino's side will be next seen in action on March 30 as they face New York City FC in an MLS clash. Messi is expected to return to action before their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final clash against Monterrey on April 4.