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.

Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi. Messi was not available for Saturday's game after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star game.

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team-mate Jordi Alba get one-match bans for skipping Major League Soccer's All-Star game earlier this week.