Fans are expecting to see Argentina legend Lionel Messi take the pitch at TQL Stadium for only the second time since he joined Inter Miami in July, 2023. The first time came in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, when Miami eliminated Cincinnati in penalty kicks following a 3-3 draw.

Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi. Messi was not available for Saturday's game after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping the All-Star game.

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 (MLS) on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).