FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami hosted second place FC Cincinnati in a rematch between the two Eastern Conference power houses. The Herons were without Superstar Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to a suspension, as they skipped the MLS All-star game earlier this week.

It took controversial calls and some tense moments, but neither Inter Miami nor FC Cincinnati were able to find the back of the net on Saturday night, ending the MLS Eastern Conference heavyweight clash with a scoreless draw.

Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson scored a header (90’+3’), but appeared to hit Inter Miami defender Noah Allen in the head during the score. The play was ruled a foul on the field, and VAR wasn’t enough to overturn it to a goal.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano took issue with Major League Soccer's decision to suspend both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati after the pair sat out the MLS All-Star Game without getting prior approval to do so.

Evander set a record in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, lifting the MLS side to a victory in the shooting competition.

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

Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati pummeled Red Bull New York 3-0 in game one of their best-of-3 series to open the playoffs.