Live updates: Inter Miami-Atlas scoreless as second half of Leagues Cup opener begins
They also saw the club debut of recently-acquired Argentine star midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
Messi and De Paul, who have each starred for their home country's national side, were reunited even faster than some expected as Inter Miami took on vs. Liga MX powerhouse Atlas in the first of three opening phase games of this year's Leagues Cup.
Through one half, the sides have dueled to a scoreless draw despite each team putting together multiple promising scoring chances.
De Paul started despite not having taken part in any collective training with his new teammates prior to Wednesday's match, according to coach Javier Mascherano, who said Tuesday he was in 'great shape.'
Messi and Alba returned to Miami's lineup after serving a one-game suspension this past Saturday against FC Cincinnati after not playing in the MLS All-Star Game a week ago.
De Paul showed off his speed in the half, but it was Luis Suarez, who came the closest to finding the mark for Inter Miami.
Suarez, who has not scored in Inter Miami's past 10 matches across all competitions, hit the crossbar just before the final whistle of the first half on a great ball in from Jordi Alba.
Inter Miami was outshot by Atlas, however, 8-6 overall and 3-1 in shots on goal in the first half including a pair of shots that goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo needed to make brilliant saves to thwart.
Rios Novo started once again for the injured Oscar Ustari.
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