Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi on Saturday evening.
Messi was not available after he and teammate Jordi Alba had been suspended one match of Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star competition. Messi was still present on Saturday and looked from a suite in Chase Stadium.
Miami co-owner Jorge Mas mentioned the punishment ‘Draconian’ on Friday and said that Messi was’ extreme upset ‘about the suspension that put him offside for an important competition while Miami insists on his second consecutive MLS supporters’ shield.
Related: Lionel Messi suspended – Argentina -legend angry by draconic rule in MLS: Inter Miami Owner
Miami coach Javier Mascherano wondered if the competition would still have suspended the Argentinian captain if Miami had played an away game.
«To fill stadiums and sell tickets, no one complains,» Mascherano said through an interpreter on Saturday, that the team had informed MLS that Messi had to do with fatigue because of the busy schedule of Miami.
«It’s strange,» said Mascherano, «One day they say something, and the next day they say something else. We all heard what was said – that it was understandable the number of matches he had played.»
Although it is not allowed to play, Messi was present on Saturday and he looked at a suite in Chase Stadium. | Photocredit: Getty images via AFP
Although it is not allowed to play, Messi was present on Saturday and he looked at a suite in Chase Stadium. | Photocredit: Getty images via AFP
Miami and Cincinnati both came in the matchup as winners of six of their last seven. Cincinnati, who led Messi and Inter Miami 3-0 last Wednesday, is second in the supporters’ Shield classification with 49 points, while Inter Miami is fifth with 42 points.
Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson scored the winner for almost a few minutes in the stop time on Saturday when he went home the free kick of MVP candidate Evander, but the goal was not allowed due to an error.
Veteran -striker Luis Suárez made various incredible steps in the opening minutes, including one to Fafà Picault, whose header was refused by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Before the game, Miami introduced the Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, the good friend of Messi and the buddy of the national team, who officially signed at the club on Friday. Fans in Chase Stadium cheered and welcomed signs while the new Miami star walked onto the field.
«I’m going to give everything I have,» the Paul told the crowd.
