It has been Quite the Week for Inter Miami.

After bouncing back from a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Cincinnati in stellar fashion, a come-from-behind 5-1 win at the New York Red Bulls, the Herons found themselves in hot water after Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba decided to skip the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday. Both watched from the stands in Miami’s latest match with new arrival Rodrigo De Paul, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside Messi and emerged as one of the top midfielders in Spain before deciding to make the move to South Florida.

Seeking to avenge their recent defeat against Cincinnati, Miami traded blows early on and nearly took the lead after 11 minutes as Luis Suarez engineered a brilliant through ball towards Fafa Picault, whose header was denied by Roman Celentano. They found themselves in pole position to take the lead after the break as Picault timed his run to perfection and received the ball in a dangerous area and attempted to fire past Celentano, only to be denied by his outstretched leg.

Buoyed by the superb Brazilian technician Evander, who replaced Messi as the MLS captain for their All-Star match vs. Liga MX All-Stars, Cincy continued to force the issue and nearly opened proceedings, only for Evander to squander a point-blank opportunity and sky his effort. They had a golden chance to score in the 67th minute as Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo failed to control a shot and enabled Sergio Santos to pounce on the opportunity, but Gonzalo Lujan did tremendously well to outmuscle his opponent and make a goal-line clearance. The visitors looked to have taken a last-gasp lead in the 92nd minute after Miles Robinson nodded home a free kick from Evander, only for it to be ruled out due to a foul on Noah Allen. 

It was Miami’s first stalemate since June 23, when they drew 2-2 to Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup. Whereas Cincy dropped off the top spot in the East, relinquishing the apex to Philadelphia Union, they nevertheless sit second in the table, two points above Nashville, five above Columbus Crew, and seven above Inter Miami (who have three games in hand). Both teams will take a brief pause from league play and compete for glory in the Leagues Cup group stage.

Whilst Inter Miami will host Mexican sides Atlas, Necaxa and Pumas, Cincinnati will host Liga MX outfits Monterrey, Juarez, and Chivas. Inter Miami are seeking their second title, having won the inaugural edition of the expanded version in 2023 thanks to a magical run of performances from Messi. Cincy, for their part, are competing for their first title, having lost on penalties in the Round of 32 in 2023 before losing to Philadelphia in the Round of 16 in 2024.