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Inter Miami, missing the suspended Lionel Messi, failed to capitalize on an opportunity to close the gap on Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati, resulting in a 0-0 draw in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
Messi and his teammate Jordi Alba were sidelined due to their controversial withdrawal from this week’s MLS All-Star Game in Texas.
Therefore, they could only observe from the sidelines in Fort Lauderdale while Inter struggled against a well-organized Cincinnati side.
Miami received a significant reprieve in the final moments of stoppage time when Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson had a goal disallowed after a contentious foul was ruled against him for colliding with Inter’s Noah Allen as he went for a header.
The outcome leaves Miami seven points behind Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the pre-game events included the official unveiling of new star signing Rodrigo De Paul, a World Cup-winning teammate of Messi from Argentina.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who has joined from Spain’s Atletico Madrid, is anticipated to make his debut in Miami's upcoming Leagues Cup campaign.
Following the announcement of his transfer late Friday, De Paul expressed, “What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the club’s history.
It’s a club that is shaping up to be great, to have a long history, so that many people follow this incredible team.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham stated that De Paul’s addition would provide “experience, passion, and quality” to the Herons. Beckham remarked, “Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years.
As a leader, he has contributed significantly to the teams he has played for, especially with his national team Argentina.
I’m thrilled to welcome another World Cup-winning player, not just to Inter Miami, but also to the MLS.”
