Inter Miami played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw without the suspended Lionel Messi in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday night.

Messi was not available after he and teammate Jordi Alba were suspended one match by Major League Soccer for skipping this week’s All-Star Game. Messi was still in attendance on Saturday, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas called the punishment “draconian” on Friday, saying that Messi was “extremely upset” at the suspension that sidelined him for an important match as Miami pushes for its second-straight MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Miami and Cincinnati both entered the matchup as winners of six of their last seven. Cincinnati, which routed Messi and Inter Miami 3-0 last Wednesday — is second in the Supporters’ Shield standings with 49 points, while Inter Miami is fifth with 42 points.

Luis Suárez and Miami couldn’t find the net against Cincinnati on Saturday.

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Miami is winless in its last two games when Messi doesn’t play, after previously winning five straight without the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson nearly scored the winner a couple minutes into stoppage time on Saturday when he headed home MVP candidate Evander‘s free kick, but the goal was disallowed because of a foul.

Veteran Miami striker Luis Suárez made several impressive passes in the opening minutes, including one to Fafà Picault, whose header was denied by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Before the match, Miami introduced Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s good friend and national team buddy who officially signed with the club on Friday. Fans at Chase Stadium cheered and waved welcome signs as the new Miami star walked onto the pitch.

“I’m going to give everything I have,” De Paul told the crowd.

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN Research was used in this report.