Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano criticized Major League Soccer's decision to suspend Lionel Messi 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 on Saturday. That meant Messi and Alba could only watch on from the sidelines in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday as Inter were frustrated by a well-organised Cincinnati team.

Inter Miami isn’t just riding a wave, it’s been completely reshaped by the Messi phenomenon. Since the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi landed in South Florida, the club has exploded in both relevance and revenue.

Lionel Messi took no time welcoming new Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul to Chase Stadium and MLS on Saturday during the club’s match against FC Cincinnati.

Lionel Messi will not be on the pitch this Saturday, July 26, when Inter Miami faces FC Cincinnati — and the reason is sparking backlash across the soccer world and opening up the doors for a

“A Goal in Life: Messi x Refik Anadol,” the artwork created by world-renowned artist Refik Anadol using artificial intelligence and inspired by global soccer star Lionel Messi’s favorite goal, was auctioned at Christie’s for $1.87 million on Tuesday. The auction house has not disclosed the identity of the buyer.

“You don’t mess with Messi” would seem an easy concept to adopt and apply, but the Inspector Clouseaus who lead MLS proved otherwise this week. They sidelined the one player who moves the MLS needle and plants the league’s flag in soccer-obsessed countries abroad.

Next week, Inter Miami will begin their run in the Leagues Cup, and a decision by Major League Soccer will put Lionel Messi at the center of attention. Inter Miami have been focused in recent weeks on collecting as many points as possible in Major League Soccer to close the gap at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.