FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi appeared far from ‘very upset,’ while watching his Inter Miami teammates from an on-field suite in his one-game absence for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.
Messi sat between his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and best friend/new Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. He was seen often pouring hot water out of his new Stanley Flow Mate System into his mate cap, hydrating or passing it for others to drink.
On the pitch, Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati played to a scoreless draw despite the final minutes being filled with drama at Chase Stadium on Saturday, July 26.
Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson scored a header (90’+3’), but appeared to hit Inter Miami defender Noah Allen in the head during the score. The play was ruled a foul on the field, and VAR wasn’t enough to overturn it to a goal.
Luis Suarez tried his best to lead Inter Miami without Messi and Jordi Alba against first-place FC Cincinnati. But neither side was able to find the back of the net.
Suarez set several teammates up for shots towards the net to no avail, while Cincinnati’s Evander took several shots toward the net but was unable to deliver a standout performance like he did when he scored twice against Inter Miami in Cincinnati on July 18.
The draw bodes well for both sides: Cincinnati remains atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with 49 points, while Inter Miami remains in fifth place with 42 points in the Eastern Conference.
This is how the quirkiest week of MLS’s Messi era ended.
Messi and Alba served a one-game suspension for not traveling to the July 23 All-Star Game in Austin in a ruling handed down by MLS commissioner Don Garber on July 25.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said Messi and Alba were “very upset” about the decision. Maybe, Messi’s mood changed as he got much-needed rest after playing every minute in 22 of 23 matches since April 2.
Inter Miami debuted their new baby blue Riptide jerseys Saturday, and introduced De Paul, the Argentine World Cup champion and Messi’s close friend.
It’s unclear when De Paul could debut, but Messi’s return will come when Inter Miami begins the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament against Liga MX side Atlas FC on July 30. Messi led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title shortly after his arrival to MLS.
Check out these highlights from USA TODAY Sports:
Messi watches Inter Miami match next to Rodrigo De Paul
Messi watched his Inter Miami teammates take on Cincinnati, while sitting next to his newest club teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
Inter Miami introduces Rodrigo De Paul before Cincinnati match
Another World Cup champion joins Inter Miami as Rodrigo De Paul was introduced to fans. De Paul won the World Cup with Messi, and is one of his closest friends. Here’s more on his acquisition, announced a day before the match.
Inter Miami lineup vs. FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati starting lineup vs. Inter Miami
What time is the Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati match?
The match begins at 7:15 p.m. ET.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati on TV?
The match will be broadcast on FS1.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati on live stream?
The match will also be available to stream on AppleTV+ and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Is Lionel Messi playing tonight?
No, Messi is not playing against FC Cincinnati.
Why is Lionel Messi not playing tonight?
Messi was disciplined with a one-game absence by MLS commissioner Don Garber for skipping the MLS All-Star Game earlier this week in Austin, Texas.
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati betting odds
Inter Miami still favored to win vs. Cincinnati, even without Messi, according to BETMGM.
Inter Miami: +130
Tie: +270
Cincinnati: +175
Over/under: 3.5 goals
When is Messi’s next game? Inter Miami upcoming schedule
Inter Miami will begin the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament after facing FC Cincinnati.
July 30: Inter Miami vs. Atlas FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Aug. 2: Inter Miami vs. Club Necaxa, 7 p.m. ET
Aug. 6: Inter Miami vs. Pumas UNAM, 7:30 p.m.