Trending Now - Messi to Sit Out Inter Miami Match Against Charlotte FC
WHO:
Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, confirmed the decision to rest Lionel Messi.
Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's teammate, is also absent from the match against Charlotte FC.
Inter Miami, Charlotte FC, head coach Javier Mascherano, captain Lionel Messi, Kristijan Kahlina, Rios Novo, Luis Suarez, David Ruiz, German Berterame, Liel Abada, Wilfried Zaha, Rodrigo De Paul.
WHAT:
Messi will reach 900 career goals with his next official goal, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players in professional soccer history to achieve this milestone.
Inter Miami's confirmed starting XI against Charlotte FC includes Rios Novo, Ian Fray, Lujan, Melli, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon, Mateo Silvetti, David Ruiz, David Ayala, Santiago Morales, Daniel Pinter, and Luis Suarez.
Maximiliano Falcon suffered a knee injury and will be out for several matches.
Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Charlotte FC in an MLS match.
Messi was rested for the match, not due to injury.
Inter Miami earned a valuable point in the MLS standings.
Inter Miami has six points in MLS after two wins and one loss in the 2026 season.
Inter Miami will face Nashville SC on March 18th, 2026, for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16.
WHERE:
The match took place at Bank of America Stadium.
The previous match was played at GEODIS Park.
WHEN:
The match against Charlotte FC is part of the 2026 MLS Matchday 4.
The match against Charlotte FC occurred on March 14th, 2026.
Messi last played on March 11th, 2026.
The second leg match against Nashville SC is scheduled for March 18th, 2026.
Inter Miami played at Bank of America Stadium in September 2025.
WHY:
The coaching staff aims to have Messi fully fit for the Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC.
The decision to rest Messi was made by head coach Javier Mascherano to manage player workload.
Mascherano stated that the Concacaf Champions Cup is a priority for Inter Miami but emphasized the importance of competing in all competitions.
HOW:
Sergio Reguilon has recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the preseason and was on the bench during the draw in the Concacaf Champions League.
Inter Miami controlled long stretches of possession during the match against Charlotte FC.
Key saves from goalkeepers Kristijan Kahlina and Rios Novo contributed to the scoreless draw.
(UPDATED March 15, 2026 17:04 UTC)
In a strategic move, Inter Miami's head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed today that Lionel Messi will be rested for their match against Charlotte FC, with teammate Rodrigo De Paul also absent. Messi is on the verge of a historic milestone, as he needs just one more goal to reach 900 career goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in this exclusive club. Meanwhile, the confirmed starting lineup for Inter Miami includes players like Luis Suarez and Sergio Reguilon, who has returned from an ankle injury, as the team prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC.
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(UPDATED March 15, 2026 11:03 UTC)
In a tightly contested match on March 14, Inter Miami and Charlotte FC ended in a scoreless draw at Bank of America Stadium, with both teams earning a valuable point in the MLS standings. Notably, Lionel Messi was rested for this match as part of a strategy by head coach Javier Mascherano to manage player workload, while goalkeepers Kristijan Kahlina and Rios Novo made crucial saves to keep the match scoreless. Inter Miami now sits with six points in the MLS after two wins and one loss and will be looking to advance in the Concacaf Champions Cup when they face Nashville SC on March 18.