Minus Messi, Inter Miami, Cincinnati play to a scoreless tie

Inter Miami welcomed its newest star signing in a pregame ceremony, officially debuted a new jersey and created more than a dozen chances.

None of that could overshadow Lionel Messi’s absence.

Inter Miami could not find the back of the net without Messi and settled for a point at home in a scoreless draw with FC Cincinnati on Saturday night at Chase Stadium.

Messi — who was suspended along with left back Jordi Alba for not participating in Wednesday’s MLS All Star Game — watched from the sidelines next to new Argentine acquisition Rodrigo De Paul as both teams misfired to a scoreless stalemate.

The tie that came 10 days after FC Cincinnati drubbed Inter Miami 3-0 in Ohio left Javier Mascherano’s men stagnant in fifth place in the standings with a 12-6-4 record while dropping Cincinnati into second.

“I do not agree at all with the decision (to suspend Messi and Alba), but we adapted,” said Mascherano. “The team had a great game, and we clearly deserved to win.”

Mascherano delivered more pointed comments to express his disagreement with MLS later in the news conference. .

“What would have happened if today’s game was played away,” asked Mascherano. “Would there still have been calls for Messi to be suspended? Because no one complains when it comes time to fill stadiums and sell tickets.

“What happened was this game was played at home. That was the situation.”

Prior to kickoff in the game that marked the debut of the baby blue Riptide jersey, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas officially welcomed De Paul with the same type of ceremonious presentation that was given in years past to the star foursome of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets.

De Paul, accompanied by his two kids, was brought out to midfield to pose for photos and deliver a quick speech. He then joined Messi outside of the ground-level suites that sit adjacent to the field.

“Rodrigo is another historic signing for the club,” Mascherano said. “He is a World Cup winner, is coming here at 31 years old, is in his prime. I think it speaks to the ambition of this club in wanting to continue to grow.”

Also missing centerback Maximiliano Falcon due to yellow card accumulation and goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to injury, Inter Miami came out with different personnel in Mascherano’s usual 4-4-2 formation vs. FC Cincinnati.

Benjamin Cremaschi filled in for Jordi Alba by playing out of position at left back while Telasco Segovia took over for Messi by partnering with Suarez on the front line.

The teams combined for 21 shots without a goal, but both sides came close to finding the breakthrough.

“I think we probably deserved a bit more from the game,” said centerback Gonzalo Lujan, who delivered a sliding goal-line clearance in the second half. “We controlled the game. We just lacked better decision-making in the final third.”

Fafa Picault had Inter Miami’s best opportunity in the 11th minute. Suarez played a delightful cross to Picault on the left before the ensuing header was saved by FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Picault was also involved in a controversial moment after the hour-mark. Inter Miami vehemently appealed for a penalty in the 65th minute after FC Cincinnati fullback DeAndre Yedlin — who previously played for the Herons — made contact with the winger in the 18-yard box.

Head referee Tori Penso signaled for play to continue, however.

“I think we are among the top five teams in terms of generating chances, but through 22 [league] matches we have zero penalties called in our favor,” Mascherano said. “Weird, huh, especially since we attack? Zero penalties called in our favor. I’ll leave that there for you all to think about.”

FC Cincinnati also created chances, but could not muster up the final bit of quality to beat backup goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, who finished with three saves.

The visitors thought they had snatched a late victory when centerback Miles Robinson towered over the outsized Noah Allen and headed the ball home on a free kick in stoppage time, but the goal was negated for a foul on Robinson while jostling for position.

“The defense was admirable today,” said Rios Novo. “...There are a lot of things to work on, but we are happy with the performance.”

One other player who was not in uniform for Inter Miami on Saturday in addition to Messi and Alba was seldom-used winger Leo Afonso, who hours before kickoff was reported to be on his way to Atlanta United via trade.

Inter Miami will now focus on the Leagues Cup, playing its Group Stage opener in that competition at home on Wednesday against Liga MX club Atlas.

This story was originally published July 26, 2025 at 11:01 PM.