diff --git a/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_widget.dart b/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_widget.dart
index ca10d3d4..970ae9da 100644
--- a/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_widget.dart
+++ b/packages/stream_chat_flutter/lib/src/message_widget.dart
@@ -851,7 +851,7 @@ class _MessageWidgetState extends State<MessageWidget>
             context,
             widget.message,
           ) ??
-          const SizedBox.shrink();
+          const Offstage();
     }
 
     final children = <Widget>[];