Lionel Messi came off the bench early in the second half but couldn't prevent Inter Miami's three-game win streak coming to an end with a 2-0 loss at Red Bull New York on Saturday.
Messi began the game among the substitutes after a hectic travel schedule that saw him travel to Oviedo, Spain, on Thursday to receive the Princess of Asturias award for Sports the following day.
"This was something that had already been agreed upon," Miami coach Cristian "Kily" González told reporters after Saturday's loss. "Obviously, he's been through quite a journey, time zone changes, temperature shifts, and a whole host of other factors.
"We were fully aware of all of this, and we reached an agreement that this was the best approach to ensure he didn't suffer any issues, specifically to avoid any injuries considering we have another match this Wednesday.
"The goal was for him to recover and get some minutes under his belt today; as always, he performed well."
By the time Messi, MLS' top scorer this season with 25 goals, entered the game in the 56th minute, Miami was trailing to a seventh minute own goal from former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.
The former Brazil international turned a Cade Cowell cross into his own net under pressure from United States teenage striker Julian Hall.
Messi's introduction provided a spark for Miami and some trademark magic moments to impress the crowd in Harrison, New Jersey. A defense-splitting pass from the eight-time Ballon d'Or eventually led to Miami's best chance of an equalizer, when Telasco Segovia struck a shot against the crossbar.
But as Miami continued to chase a goal late on, New York's Emil Forsberg supplied a simple finish from a Cameron Harper pass to put the game beyond the visitors' reach.
"We had far too many turnovers in midfield, played too many passes while facing our own goal, and struggled to build play from deep," González added. "I have to take responsibility for this.
"As I told the lads at halftime, we needed to turn things around; we improved a little, though I'm certainly not satisfied and neither are the players. But it's a useful lesson, a reminder that you can't afford to get complacent, a hit to the face. We can't relax."
As well as ending Miami's run of victories, the game also saw Messi's streak of 13 straight games for club and country with a goal contribution come to an end.
Miami remained in second place ahead of the rest of the weekend's schedule, 15 points behind Nashville, which clinched the Supporters' Shield title earlier in the day. Miami next hosts FC Cincinnati on Wednesday.
"We weren't the best team before, and we aren't the worst now," González said. "We need to get back to our usual way of functioning, rediscover our style of play, and win the next match."
It was a big three points for the Red Bulls, who climb into a playoff position with three games of the regular season remaining.
