Inter Miami faced off against FC Cincinnati on Saturday night, resulting in a scoreless draw that left fans wanting more. The absence of Lionel Messi, who was suspended for one match, loomed large over the game.
Messi's suspension came after he and teammate Jordi Alba opted out of participating in the All-Star game, a decision that did not sit well with Major League Soccer officials. Despite not playing, Messi was present at Chase Stadium, observing the match from a suite.
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his discontent with the league's decision, labeling the punishment as "draconian." He revealed that Messi was "extremely upset" about missing such a crucial match as Miami strives for its second consecutive MLS Supporters' Shield.
Coach Javier Mascherano raised questions about the fairness of the suspension, particularly if it would have been enforced had Miami been playing away. "To fill stadiums and sell tickets, nobody complains," he remarked through an interpreter, emphasizing that the team had communicated Messi's fatigue due to a packed schedule.
"It's strange," Mascherano continued, "one day they say something, and the next day they say something else. We all heard what was said — that it was understandable the number of matches that he had been playing."
Both teams entered the match with impressive records, having won six of their last seven games. Cincinnati, which previously defeated Inter Miami 3-0 just days earlier, currently sits second in the Supporters' Shield standings with 49 points, while Miami trails in fifth place with 42 points.
A near-miss occurred late in the game when Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson headed a free kick from MVP candidate Evander into the net, only to have it disallowed due to a foul.
In the early moments of the match, veteran striker Luis Suárez showcased his skills with several remarkable passes, including one to Fafà Picault, whose header was thwarted by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Before kickoff, Miami welcomed Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, a close friend of Messi and national teammate, who officially signed with the club on Friday. The crowd erupted in cheers and waved welcome signs as De Paul made his way onto the pitch.
"I'm going to give everything I have," De Paul declared to the enthusiastic audience.
