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.

Messi and team-mate Jordi Alba were both barred from playing the home game against Cincinnati after controversially withdrawing from this week`s MLS All-Star Game in Texas.

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.

Miami were given a huge let off in the dying seconds of stoppage time, when Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson had a goal ruled out after harshly being adjudged to have fouled Inter`s Noah Allen as he leapt for a header.

The result leaves Miami seven points adrift of Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference standings.

Miami, meanwhile, used the pre-game festivities to formally unveil new star signing Rodrigo De Paul, Messi`s World Cup-winning Argentina team-mate.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who joins the club from Spain`s Atletico Madrid, is expected to make his debut during Miami`s upcoming Leagues Cup campaign.

"What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the club`s history," De Paul said after his transfer was announced by the club late Friday.

"It`s a club that is shaping up to be great, to have a long history, so that many people follow this incredible team."

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said De Paul`s signing would bring "experience, passion and quality" to the Herons.

"Rodrigo is a player I`ve admired for many years," Beckham said. "As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for -- especially with his national team Argentina.

"I`m excited to welcome another World Cup winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS."