FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (BN24) — Inter Miami were held to a goalless draw by FC Cincinnati on Saturday in Major League Soccer, failing to capitalize on an opportunity to close the gap in the Eastern Conference standings amid the absence of star forward Lionel Messi.
The Argentine captain and his teammate Jordi Alba were suspended for the high-stakes home match at Chase Stadium after withdrawing from the midweek MLS All-Star Game in Texas — a move that drew widespread criticism. Both players remained sidelined throughout the contest, watching from the bench as Miami labored to break down a disciplined Cincinnati defense.
Despite a few promising chances, the Herons were largely stifled in the final third, while Cincinnati looked poised to snatch all three points deep into stoppage time. Defender Miles Robinson appeared to have found the breakthrough with a late header, but the goal was disallowed after the referee adjudged him to have fouled Miami’s Noah Allen in the buildup a contentious decision that preserved the deadlock.
The result leaves Inter Miami seven points behind Cincinnati in the race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The frustration of a missed opportunity was partly offset by the club’s pre-match announcement of a major new addition.
Rodrigo De Paul, a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina and former Atletico Madrid midfielder, was officially unveiled to fans before kick-off. The 31-year-old is expected to make his debut during Miami’s upcoming Leagues Cup campaign.
“What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the club’s history,” De Paul said following the announcement of his transfer. “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 praised De Paul’s leadership and winning mentality, expressing confidence that his arrival would elevate the squad.
“Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years,” Beckham said. “As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for especially with his national team Argentina. I’m excited to welcome another World Cup-winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS.”
With De Paul set to bolster a roster that already includes several high-profile names, Miami now turns its attention to the Leagues Cup, hoping to regain momentum as the season intensifies.
Credit: Punching.com
