'He was probably upset' - Javier Mascherano handshake snub addressed by Chicago Fire boss Gregg Berhalter as Inter Miami counterpart breaks from tradition after MLS stalemate

The MLS clash between the Fire and Miami ended in a 0-0 stalemate on Sunday evening, but it was what happened - or didn’t happen - after the final whistle that grabbed attention. Following the final whistle at a packed Soldier Field, Berhalter approached the Inter Miami technical area for the customary post-match handshake between managers, only to find Mascherano had already made his exit.

Berhalter, speaking in his post-match press conference, downplayed the apparent snub from his opposite number.

"It's nothing," he said. "I think he was probably upset. He wanted to win the game and just walked off the field."

Despite the incident, the Fire boss was quick to clarify that there "are no problems" between the two coaches.

Inter Miami’s biggest threat came from their talisman, Lionel Messi, who came agonisingly close to scoring twice from direct free kicks. On both occasions, his efforts struck the frame of the goal, leaving fans gasping in disbelief. Although the match didn’t yield any goals, the spectacle wasn’t short of drama or fanfare as a total of 62,358 spectators packed into Soldier Field, setting a new all-time attendance record for the Chicago Fire.

The draw sees Inter Miami maintain their position in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They will return to action next Saturday when they host the Columbus Crew in another crucial MLS fixture. The Fire, meanwhile, will come up against Cincinnati on the same day.