Inter Miami's three-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt on Saturday as they fell 2-0 to Red Bull New York at Sports Illustrated Stadium, a result that exposed the team's dependence on Lionel Messi and raised questions about their consistency heading into the playoffs. Manager Kily Gonzalez made the planned decision to rest Messi from the start, managing his workload after a demanding trip to Oviedo, Spain, where the Argentine collected the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The travel and time zone changes left the coaching staff unwilling to risk their captain from the first whistle with a midweek fixture approaching.

Messi entered the game in the 56th minute and immediately lifted the tempo, but his teammates could not convert the chances his vision created. A Telasco Segovia effort struck the crossbar late on, and Emil Forsberg sealed the result in stoppage time. It was the first match in 13 consecutive games for club and country in which Messi failed to register a goal or assist.

Gonzalez was sharp in his assessment of the performance, criticising his side's ball retention and midfield discipline. Despite the setback, Inter Miami remain third in the Eastern Conference on 55 points, level with New England Revolution above them, and their playoff place is secure. The focus now shifts to Wednesday's home fixture against FC Cincinnati, where Gonzalez will expect a sharper response.