Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano criticized Major League Soccer's decision to suspend Lionel Messi for skipping the All-Star Game.

Despite the absences, Inter Miami held FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The team also presented new signing Rodrigo De Paul prior to kick off, introducing the World Cup winner and Messi's Argentina teammate to fans.

Inter Miami earned a valuable draw against Cincinnati despite missing both Messi and Alba, turning to Luis Suárez to lead the attack. It was a marked improvement from their previous encounter a few weeks ago, when they lost 3-0 on the road. Head coach Mascherano acknowledged the team’s effort and missed chances.

Inter Miami will be without Lionel Messi against FC Cincinnati as the two Eastern Conference rivals go head-to-head.

Inter Miami will have a week off until their next MLS game, which is on July 26 at Chase Stadium. The Herons are still in the battle for the top positions in the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield table.

Javier Mascherano has rubbished rumours that the Argentina squad had moved to depose coach Jorge Sampaoli from his position ahead of a crucial World Cup match.

Javier Mascherano, who was Messi's teammate with Barcelona and Argentina's national team, was hired after a brisk search that only took a few days to complete.

The MLS All-Star Game is set for Wednesday, July 23, but Javier Mascherano doesn’t want Lionel Messi involved in the match against Liga MX stars. In a team full of veterans, Inter Miami can’t afford to have players involved in extracurricular matters at this point of the season.

Declan Rice has a relative novice when it comes to a midfield holding role, but Manuel Lanzini claims his West Ham team-mate has the potential to “be better than Javier Mascherano”.