Inter Miami Holds Cincinnati to Scoreless Draw as Messi Serves Suspension
Inter Miami Battles FC Cincinnati to 0-0 Draw Without Messi
Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati played to a goalless draw on Saturday night at Chase Stadium, in a high-stakes matchup overshadowed by the absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar served a one-game suspension after missing the MLS All-Star Game, a decision that has sparked backlash within the club.Despite the draw, the game had its share of tension and near-misses, with both teams showing why they are among the MLS frontrunners in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.
Messi Watches from the Suite Amid Controversial Suspension
Though he wasn’t on the pitch, Messi was present at the stadium, watching from a suite as his teammates battled through 90 minutes without him. The suspension, which also sidelined Jordi Alba, was handed down by Major League Soccer for their absence at the All-Star event.Club co-owner Jorge Mas called the decision “draconian,” stating Messi was “extremely upset” to miss such a crucial match. Miami remains in pursuit of back-to-back Supporters’ Shield titles and entered the night having won six of their last seven games.
Rodrigo De Paul Makes Public Debut in Miami
One of the night’s bright spots for Inter Miami came before kickoff, when newly signed midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was introduced to the home crowd. The Argentine international and World Cup champion received a warm welcome from fans, many of whom held up signs and Argentine flags to greet Messi’s national teammate and longtime friend.De Paul, who joined from Atlético Madrid on loan with an option to buy through 2029, is expected to make an immediate impact in the midfield as Miami continues to build a team of world-class experience.
Chances on Both Sides, But No Breakthrough
Veteran striker Luis Suárez, taking on more creative duties in Messi’s absence, dazzled early with a series of precise passes. One of his best found Fafà Picault for a dangerous header, only to be denied by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.Cincinnati nearly snatched a late win in stoppage time when defender Miles Robinson headed home a free kick from MVP candidate Evander, but the goal was waved off due to a foul in the box.
Both teams walked away with a point. Cincinnati stays second in the Supporters’ Shield race with 49 points, while Miami sits fifth with 42.
