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.

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

Jorge Mas disagrees with MLS’s decision to suspend Messi and warns the sanction could impact the star’s willingness to remain in the league through 2026.

Phillips echoed that sentiment, saying he booed Messi because his season ticket seats are just a couple of rows from the field in the First Financial Club. He said he remembers lightheartedly heckling former New York Red Bulls defender, John Tolkin, when FC Cincinnati were Wooden Spoon contenders, prompting a chuckle from the American.