An Inter Miami team missing the suspended Lionel Messi missed the chance to gain ground on Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati after being held to a 0-0 draw in Major League Soccer on Saturday.That meant Messi and Alba could only watch on from the sidelines in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as Inter were frustrated by a well-organised Cincinnati team.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami hosted second place FC Cincinnati in a rematch between the two Eastern Conference power houses. The Herons were without Superstar Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to a suspension, as they skipped the MLS All-star game earlier this week.