Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami LIVE: First half remains scoreless at Bank of America Stadium! (0-0) 2026 MLS Matchday 3
Charlotte FC face Inter Miami in an important MLS matchup as Lionel Messi once again takes center stage with The Herons. Inter Miami arrive in strong form after defeating DC United 2-1 on March 7, a result that leaves them in third place with a 2-0-1 record to start the season. Charlotte FC, meanwhile, look to shake up the top of the table after earning a convincing 3-1 win over Austin last weekend. Game is underway!
Inter Miami also come from a demanding midweek clash in the in the Round of 16. Lionel Messi was unable to find the net in that match, keeping the wait for his historic 900th career goal alive.
Heading into the weekend, Lionel Messi remains the player to watch as Inter Miami enter the match as slight favorites. The Argentine star did not travel with the rest of the squad on Friday, arriving in Charlotte on Saturday instead, though that unusual schedule is not expected to affect his playing time. That means Messi could have the chance to reach the milestone 900th goal of his career at Bank of America Stadium.
Inter Miami starting XI
Inter Miami will line up as follows for tonight’s MLS clash: Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Lujan, Melli, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon; Mateo Silvetti, David Ruiz, David Ayala, Santiago Morales; Daniel Pinter and Luis Suarez.
With Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul rested, Inter Miami turn to a mixed lineup that blends experience and young talent. Luis Suarez leads the attack for The Herons as they look to secure another important result on the road.
Lionel Messi out of the lineup tonight
Despite traveling to North Carolina, Lionel Messi will not play in Saturday’s MLS regular-season clash between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami at Bank of America Stadium. According to ESPN, head coach Javier Mascherano has decided to rest the Inter Miami captain for the match.
The decision comes directly from Mascherano and is not related to any injury. Messi’s Inter Miami and Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul will also miss Saturday night’s action, leaving The Herons without two key players for the league encounter.
The move appears to be part of squad management ahead of a crucial match next week. Inter Miami are expected to prioritize Wednesday’s second leg in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 against Nashville, which likely influenced the decision to give Messi a rest.