Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on 2026 MLS Matchday 4?

Inter Miami face Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium for 2026 MLS Matchday 4, eyeing their third consecutive league victory. Lionel Messi is expected to headline the lineup as captain and the focal point of the South Florida club’s attack.

This could be a historic night for the Argentine superstar. Should he find the back of the net, Messi would reach 900 career goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players in professional soccer history to hit that milestone.

Messi enters the match in scorching form, coming off a brace in the 5–2 Florida Derby thrashing of Orlando City and another goal in the recent 2–1 win over D.C. United. However, Inter Miami are coming off a short turnaround following a scoreless draw against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

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.

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.

Projected Inter Miami lineup

see also

Javier Mascherano says Luis Suarez is ready to play as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami head to Charlotte

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 projected starting XI to face Charlotte FC: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Germán Berterame.