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.

As much as striker depth is a missing factor for Inter Miami, the left-back situation is even more dire, with Jordi Alba the lone outright starter on the roster at the moment. With the Spanish veteran suspended, it led to 20-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi taking on the role, and the club signed Cesar Abadia-Reda from Inter Miami II.

FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami had quality chances to take the lead, but neither team prevailed in the 0-0 draw.

Inter Miami returns to Chase Stadium, where this Saturday they will host FC Cincinnati, the current leader of the Eastern Conference of the MLS, and a rival that just 10 days ago the team led by

The 31-year-old star is officially Messi's club teammate after Inter Miami announced De Paul's arrival on Friday. It's a reunion for the two Argentina stars who led the Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar.

Lionel Messi gains support as Rodrigo De Paul joins Inter Miami from Atletico Madrid, adding experience and tenacity to the midfield.

SportsLine's Jon Eimer reveals his picks for FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on Saturday with Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba out due to suspension

Messi Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo Record After Inter Miami Brace originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Lionel Messi scores another brace for Inter Miami in the MLS as the Herons defeated the New York Red Bulls 5-1.