Inter Miami encountered a difficult situation as Lionel Messi’s suspension, following his refusal to participate in the MLS All-Star Game along with Jordi Alba, kept him off the field for their important clash against Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati. Despite missing key figures, the Florida-based team managed to hold their opponent to a 0-0 draw, a vital result for their playoff ambitions.
With captain Messi sidelined by suspension, Javier Mascherano’s squad faced added pressure during the game. The match saw controversy over an unawarded penalty in the second half, and near the end, Miami narrowly avoided defeat due to a disallowed goal by the visitors in stoppage time. The highlight for the home fans was the debut of Rodrigo De Paul at Chase Stadium, a moment described by many as the most emotional of the evening.
Extensive Player Absences Weigh on Inter Miami’s Performance
The lineup woes for Inter Miami extended beyond Messi and Alba. Goalkeepers Oscar Ustari and Drake Callender were unavailable due to injuries, forcing rookie Rocco Rios Novo to guard the net. The team’s injury list also included Ian Fray, Allen Obando, and Baltasar Rodriguez, further weakening the squad.
These setbacks were evident from the start, as FC Cincinnati applied relentless pressure on Miami’s defense. While Inter Miami attempted to build attacks, their offensive efforts lacked sharpness. The only notable attempt in the opening phases was a weak header by Fafa Picault, quickly countered by Cincinnati with a swift attack involving Valenzuela, Evander, and Kei Kamara. Kamara’s shot from inside the box, however, missed the mark narrowly to the left.
Late-Game Controversy Surrounding a Missed Penalty Call
Inter Miami’s motion improved during the second half, largely due to the tireless work of striker Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan battled persistently with defenders and fought hard for possession. After failing counterattacks from Evander and Valenzuela, Suarez created a clear chance himself but saw his left-foot shot miss the target.
A pivotal moment arose in the 64th minute when Suarez skillfully evaded a defender and delivered a through ball to Picault, who was one-on-one with Cincinnati’s goalkeeper Celentano. As Picault prepared to shoot, defender DeAndre Yedlin brought him down inside the box. Miami’s players demanded a penalty, yet referee Tori Penso allowed play to continue, and the VAR did not intervene to review the decision.
Upcoming League Break and Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Commitments
MLS will pause its regular season to allow teams to participate in the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring clubs from both MLS and Liga MX. Inter Miami is set to begin their Leagues Cup campaign on July 30 against Atlas. They will then face Necaxa, led by Fernando Gago, on August 2, before finishing group play on August 6 against Pumas UNAM, with Keylor Navas expected to be the starting goalkeeper for Miami.
Implications of Messi’s Suspension on Inter Miami’s Playoff Push
Lionel Messi’s suspension has added strain to Inter Miami’s efforts to climb the playoff standings, especially as injuries compound the team’s challenges. The 0-0 draw against a strong FC Cincinnati side shows the team’s resilience but also highlights their need for key players to return in full fitness. With the Leagues Cup break imminent, the club will rely heavily on the returning roster to regain momentum and contend in both competitions.