As a result, the Argentine will have to wait one more match to continue making history. When he scores his next official goal, Messi will reach 900 career goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players in professional soccer history to hit that milestone.

While Inter Miami are focused on securing three points in Charlotte, they must also keep an eye on the return leg against Nashville, set for Wednesday, March 18, at Chase Stadium. In addition to Messi’s absence, Rodrigo De Paul is also expected to be rested tonight to ensure he is fully fit for the return leg.

Following the 0–0 stalemate in the opener, Nashville hold a slight strategic advantage due to the away goals rule; a scored draw in the second leg would see the visitors advance.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

For this match, Javier Mascherano will be able to count on Sergio Reguilon, who has recovered from the ankle injury he sustained during the preseason and was already on the bench during the draw in the Concacaf Champions League. However, Maximiliano Falcon suffered a knee injury and will be out for several matches.

This is the confirmed starting XI to face Charlotte FC: Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Lujan, Melli, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon; Mateo Silvetti, David Ruiz, David Ayala, Santiago Morales; Daniel Pinter, Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami controlled long stretches of possession and produced several of the clearest chances of the night. Luis Suarez, David Ruiz and German Berterame all came close to opening the scoring, while Charlotte FC responded through Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha in a fast-paced and physical contest.

With the draw, Inter Miami earn a valuable point on the road in MLS despite rotating the squad. The Herons now shift their focus to Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville, where they will look to advance in the competition.

[Watch Charlotte vs Inter Miami live in the USA on Apple TV]

After opening the MLS 2026 season with a loss, Inter Miami responded with back-to-back victories to move within one point of Eastern Conference leaders New York City FC and Nashville SC.

Led by Lionel Messi, Miami now looks to keep building momentum against Charlotte FC, which enters the matchup still searching for consistency after recording one win, one draw, and one loss to start the campaign.

When will the Charlotte vs Inter Miami match be played?

Charlotte receive Inter Miami this Saturday, March 14, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Charlotte vs Inter Miami: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Charlotte vs Inter Miami in the USA

Tune Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between Charlotte and Inter Miami live in the USA.

During the post-match press conference, Mascherano addressed Messi’s missed penalty and its impact on the game, while also showing empathy and making it clear that one mistake did not define the team’s overall performance.

“I don’t think the penalty impacted the result,” Mascherano said. “We can’t be unfair and single out Messi for that. These are game situations. If anyone helps us win, it’s Leo. Beyond that unfortunate play, in the first 20 minutes we controlled the match.”

With the loss, Inter Miami dropped to eighth place in the Eastern Conference, leaving them outside the direct playoff spots. The team now has 46 points in 26 games, putting pressure on every remaining match. With so little margin for error, each upcoming fixture becomes crucial for its postseason hopes.

Key moments that defined the match

Charlotte FC immediately capitalized on Messi’s missed penalty, saved by Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina at the 32nd minute. Seconds later, Idan Toklomati opened the scoring, beginning his hat trick.

Thanks to Toklomati’s efficiency, Charlotte added two more goals at the 47th and 84th minutes, the latter from a penalty after a foul by Sergio Busquets. Mascherano commented: “That first goal really hurt us, but we managed to regain control for a while. The second goal also affected us, and after Tomás Avilés was sent off, there was no way back.”

In three of their last four away matches, Inter Miami suffered heavy losses: 4-1 against Orlando City, 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders, and 3-0 versus Charlotte FC, along with a 1-1 draw against DC United, the bottom team in the Eastern Conference.

The penalty, awarded to Messi inside the box, came under controversy as some questioned whether the Argentine star was actually fouled. Messi attempted a Panenka-style shot but failed to convert, leaving Inter Miami trailing at a critical moment.

The penalty was awarded to Messi in the 32nd minute, and on the very next play, in the 33rd minute, Charlotte FC capitalized on a counterattack. Exploiting the defensive gaps left by a poorly positioned Inter Miami, they quickly turned the opportunity into a goal.

It was a beautifully executed team move, finished with a cross from the right wing by Vargas, who delivered a precise pass into the box, allowing Idan Toklomati to calmly slot it into the net.

Messi’s key presence

Beyond missing the penalty, there had been uncertainty over whether Messi would play due to his participation in the World Cup qualifiers. Ultimately, he started the match, with his absence being a personal decision between the head coach and the star rather than a physical issue.

In the latest press conference, Javier Mascherano stated, “Leo is doing well. He trained with us all week and he’ll be available for the game against Charlotte.” Consequently, Messi started in today’s match as Inter Miami looked to secure a win to solidify fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami is also dealing with the absence of Luis Suarez, who has been suspended for an additional three games by MLS following his altercation with Steven Lenhart, according to Tom Bogert.

This suspension rules Suarez out of the match against Charlotte FC as well as the upcoming games against Seattle Sounders and DC United, creating further challenges for Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference standings.

[Watch Charlotte vs Inter Miami live in the USA on Apple TV]

Inter Miami are back in MLS play following a 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final, and Lionel Messi’s squad is looking to bounce back as they push for higher ground in the Eastern Conference. Sitting in sixth place, Miami have a crucial match against Charlotte FC.

Charlotte are currently in the fourth position with 50 points. With both sides chasing the top of the standings, this clash not only carries playoff implications but also gives Charlotte an opportunity to tighten the gap on the leaders while Miami aim to climb into the upper tier.

When will the Charlotte vs Inter Miami match be played?

Charlotte will take on Inter Miami this Saturday, September 13, in a 2025 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Charlotte vs Inter Miami: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Charlotte vs Inter Miami in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 MLS regular season showdown between Charlotte and Inter Miami, live in the USA.

Although Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s last game, his absence was a personal decision among the head coach and the star rather than a physical problem. In the latest press conference, Javier Mascherano said, “Leo is doing well. He trained with us all week and he’ll be available for the game against Charlotte.” Consequently, he will start in today’s game as Inter Miami look to secure a victory to clinch the fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, has crafted a competitive squad that stands strong in the conference despite recent challenges. Although it faced a setback in the Leagues Cup, the team is already among the top seven with 46 points, even with three or four fewer games played. This strategic positioning leaves the Herons with a promising opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, joining the ranks of the already qualified Philadelphia Union.

Facing Charlotte remains a formidable challenge, yet the Herons have maintained a three-game unbeaten streak against them since their last defeat in October 21, 2023. Despite this, Dean Smith’s squad has launched a strong start in the MLS, led by offensive talents like Wilfried Zaha, Brandt Bronico, and Idan Toklomaty. This impressive lineup threatens Inter Miami’s ambitions of securing a crucial victory.

Inter Miami lineup vs Charlotte

Inter Miami approach their matchup against Charlotte with high expectations, eager to secure a decisive victory. Nevertheless, head coach Javier Mascherano faces a challenge as Luis Suarez is unavailable following an MLS suspension due to his incident in the Leagues Cup. The Herons will also compete without Baltasar Rodriguez, David Ruiz, Allen Obando, and Fafa Picault, all sidelined by injuries.

With this in mind, Inter Miami will line up as follows: Oscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia.

Charlotte lineup vs Inter Miami

Similar to the Herons, Charlotte FC face the match without key players Archie Goodwin and Harry Toffolo, prompting head coach Dean Smith to tweak the lineup. However, the team will keep a familiar strategy that has led to five consecutive wins. For that reason, Wilfried Zaha and Brandt Bronico will remain at the forefront, poised to lead the offensive charge.

Considering this, Charlotte will lineup as follows: Kristijan Kahlina; Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Adilson Malanda, Tim Ream, Nathan Byrne; Ashley Westwood, Djibril Diani, Brandt Bronico; Kerwin Vargas, Idan Toklomat, Wilfried Zaha.

[Watch Chivas vs Charlotte FC live in the USA on Fubo]

Chivas kicked off their campaign with a surprising 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls, falling short of expectations against a similarly matched opponent. Now they’ll face Charlotte FC—fresh off a 4-1 defeat—in a win-or-go-home showdown.

Both sides are desperate to shake off opening-day woes, but Chivas will look to exploit Charlotte’s defensive lapses and secure the victory that could keep their qualification hopes alive.

When will the Chivas vs Charlotte FC match be played?

Chivas take on Charlotte FC this Sunday, August 3, in a Matchday 2 showdown of the 2025 Leagues Cup league stage, with kickoff scheduled for 7:50 PM (ET).

Chivas vs Charlotte FC: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:50 PM
CT: 6:50 PM
MT: 5:50 PM
PT: 4:50 PM

How to watch Chivas vs Charlotte FC in the USA

Tune in to Fubo to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between Chivas and Charlotte FC in the USA. Other options: FS1, Univision, TUDN, MLS Season Pass, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue.

[Watch Inter Miami vs Charlotte live in the USA on Apple TV]

Fresh off their strong win over Cavalier in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami shifts its focus back to MLS, where they aim to solidify their status as title contenders. With four points from their first two matches, Messi and company are eyeing a jump to seven.

Standing in their way is a Charlotte FC squad that has also collected four points and is eager to establish itself among the league’s top teams. A victory in this matchup would be crucial not just for the standings, but also as a statement against a high-profile opponent.

When will the Inter Miami vs Charlotte match be played?

Inter Miami receive Charlotte this Sunday, March 9, in the Matchday 3 of the 2025 MLS season, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs Charlotte: Time by State in the USA

ET: 5:00 PM

CT: 4:00 PM

MT: 3:00 PM

PT: 2:00 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Charlotte in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and Charlotte, live in the USA.

[Watch Seattle Sounders vs Charlotte live in the USA on Apple TV]

The 2025 MLS season kicks off with teams gearing up for a grueling campaign, and the Seattle Sounders enter with high expectations after an impressive 2024 run. Despite not being favorites, they defied the odds to reach the conference finals and now have their sights set even higher.

Their opening matchup features Charlotte FC, a team that had a solid regular season last year but fell short in the first round of the playoffs. Determined to take the next step, Charlotte aim for a strong start as both teams look to make an early statement.

When will the Seattle Sounders vs Charlotte match be played?

Seattle Sounders take on Charlotte this Saturday, February 22, in the Matchday 1 of the 2025 MLS season, with kickoff scheduled for 10:30 PM (ET).

Seattle Sounders vs Charlotte: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:30 PM

CT: 9:30 PM

MT: 8:30 PM

PT: 7:30 PM

How to watch Seattle Sounders vs Charlotte in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 MLS regular season showdown between Seattle Sounders and Charlotte, live in the USA.

On the field was Brecht Dejaegere, a Belgian midfielder who failed to live up to expectations for the club, playing 33 games and scoring just two goals. By mid-2024, Dejaegere had moved on to K.V. Kortrijk in the Belgian Pro League, but no one can ever take away the fact that this MLS flop played against the GOAT.

In an interview given to RTFB, Brecht Dejaegere shed some light on Lionel Messi’s time at PSG. The GOAT did not have kind words about his experiences in France.

Brecht Dejaegere Shares Lionel Messi’s Thoughts on PSG Time

Brecht Dejaegere told the RTFB outlet, “I asked him at full time if he felt better in Miami than he did in France… (Messi) told me that being at PSG was s***, yes, s***.”

Lionel Messi’s time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked a significant chapter in his illustrious career. After spending over two decades at FC Barcelona, Messi’s move to PSG was monumental, igniting excitement among fans and elevating the club’s profile in the global football arena.

During his two seasons in Paris, Messi, along with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, failed to deliver the biggest prize the club had sought, which was the UEFA Champions League. Although Messi and PSG won multiple domestic titles, it did not live up to the expectations of the fans.

Eventually, especially after the 2022 World Cup, Messi was jeered by the PSG fans, and he left for a much better situation at Inter Miami. Messi has never explicitly stated it, but he might have possibly moved to MLS sooner had it not been for the 2022 World Cup; discussions between MLS and the Messi family began as early as 2018.