Despite the absences, Inter Miami held FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The team also presented new signing Rodrigo De Paul prior to kick off, introducing the World Cup winner and Messi's Argentina teammate to fans.

Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi on Saturday night. Messi was not available after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star game. Messi was still in attendance on Saturday, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium.

Mascherano also strongly believes the suspension wouldn't have happened if Inter Miami played on the road instead of at home. "I don’t like to speak about other people’s decis

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba look likely to be available for Inter Miami CF's clash with FC Cincinnati on Saturday, despite skipping the MLS All-Star Game, which according to league rules is supposed to amount to a one-game suspension.

Lionel Messi’s absence from the MLS All-Star Game raised questions about his health, but Inter Miami FC coach Javier Mascherano has put those concerns to rest.Messi was selected for the game but didn’t travel and missed the event along with Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba.