Messi Suspended; Inter Miami, Cincinnati Draw 0-0

Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati played to a 0-0 draw in Fort Lauderdale after both teams missed key opportunities and had strong defensive performances, including a critical late save by Inter Miami defender Gonzalo Luján and a disallowed stoppage-time goal by Cincinnati's Miles Robinson. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were suspended for the match after missing the MLS All-Star Game without league approval, a decision Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas called 'draconian' and which left Messi 'extremely upset.' MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged Messi's league impact but maintained the rule's enforcement, while also suggesting a possible future policy review. Before the match, Inter Miami introduced new signing Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's Argentina teammate, to an enthusiastic welcome. The draw leaves Inter Miami seven points behind Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference standings as both teams continue to compete for the Supporters' Shield. The suspensions highlight ongoing tensions between league rules and player welfare.