After a huge 4-1 win over Houston a week ago, Inter Miami was looking to maintain its momentum as it prepared to take on another 1-0-1 team in Charlotte FC.
While a quick look at the Major League Soccer standings and goal differentials might have you think Miami was the runaway favorite with or without Lionel Messi, Charlotte was not a team to be trifled with. As a member of Inter Miami, Messi had yet to beat Charlotte in MLS play, going 0-1-1 in two contests – though Miami did defeat Charlotte 4-0 in a Leagues Cup matchup in 2023.
Still, Messi’s recent absence during Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston had some fans wondering whether or not he would return to play Sunday. The win against Houston was the first time Messi had missed action in 2025, having played in both of Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup games as well as Miami’s regular-season opener against New York City FC. He did, however, miss Thursday’s fixture against Cavalier SC, with coach Javier Mascherano citing fatigue for the absence. There was hope that he will suit up against Charlotte.
In the end, Messi did not suit up for Inter Miami, but he wasn’t needed. While Miami got into foul trouble early – which has become all too common with this squad to start the season – all they needed was one opening. A few stellar passes between Luis Suarez and Tadeo Allende gave Miami a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the second half, and that was enough to earn the victory.
Charlotte had numerous opportunities to tie this contest up, but a few errors from Zaha and Byrne cost Charlotte dearly. Charlotte had eight shots in all – twice as many as Miami – but none hit theback of the net.
Miami wins this one, 1-0. Their next game is Leg 2 of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cavalier on Thursday, March 13, followed by an MLS matchup against Atlanta United on Sunday, March 16. Charlotte, meanwhile, will start preparing for a game against Cincinnati on Saturday, March 15.
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC highlights
FINAL: Miami 1, Charlotte 0
Even with 10 men on the field, Miami was able to take down Charlotte, handing them their first defeat of the season. Miami has now earned a red card in each of their first three matches, yet despite the foul trouble, they are an undefeated 2-1-0.
Messi never saw the field, but Inter Miami clearly did not need him. While the game got dicey at points, with Charlotte swarming around the Miami goal for much of the second half, Miami’s defense held strong. 1-0 the final.
Another yellow card for Miami
There have been three foul cards this game, and all of them have come to Miami. This time, while trying to prevent a Charlotte attack, Miami’s Yannick Bright got a little too physical attempting a tackle, earning himself a yellow. Bright tried to play it off, claiming he was the one who got hurt in that encounter, but the linesman was not having it.
Charlotte has been dominant in the second half ever since surrendering the only goal of the game. As it stands though, they’ve nothing to show for it. It’s still 1-0 as we approach the end of stoppage time.
Charlotte misses another great opportunity
Whenever Charlotte has had a chance to knot this game up, Zaha has been at the center of it. This time, he was mere feet from the goal, and although there were several Miami defenders in the vicinity, Zaha just could not find his footing, ultimately knocking the ball off a Miami defender for a corner. That was a poor result though given that the left side of the net was wide open after Miami GK Rios Novo had already been knocked to the ground after going for the ball moments earlier.
The corner did not amount to much better, and Zaha’s poor footing may have cost Charlotte a shot at a win or draw. It’s still 1-0 Miami.
Miami’s Ruiz’s fouled
Miami may be out in front, but their lead certainly isn’t safe. In an effort to double their lead, Ruiz made a move down the left wing, but was fouled hard by Nathan Byrne. Byrne did not earn a card, but Ruiz was on the ground for about a minute before the game resumed. Ultimately, Miami’s attack was halted after the ensuing free kick.
Charlotte’s best look goes wide
Most of Charlotte’s looks on net have come via crosses on the left wing. In the 65th minute, Charlotte got their best look though when a cross was able to find Zaha for a header. Unfortunately, the ball went just wide to the right of the goal. Miami maintains their 1-0 lead.
Tadeo Allende gets Miami on the board
Inter Miami came out quickly to start the second half. Despite playing with just 10 players, Miami was able to get on the board just two minutes into the second half, and it was none other than Tadeo Allende getting it done. A series of stellar passes between Luis Suarez and Allende weaved through the Charlotte defense and gave Allende a great look at the net. He put it right under goalkeeper’s hip and into the right side of the net. Miami leads 1-0.
Halftime: 0-0
It’s been a tale of two halves in the first half. Miami dominated the first 20 minutes, with chance after chance and a few good looks on net. However, the final 30 minutes were Charlotte’s moments. The red card to Miami GK Ustari was obviously huge, but the game was spent largely in Miami territory thanks to having an extra player. Still, despite the eventful half, there have been no goals.
Ustari gets massive red card; Miami in trouble
Miami GK Ustari needed to make a play after a lead lob pass got through the Miami defense. However, in an effort to stop the rush, Ustari made contact with Zaha’s leg just outside the box, tripping the former Crystal Palace forward.
Just 40 minutes into the game, Miami will now be forced to play the rest of the game with just 10 players. Rios Novo has entered the game at goalkeeper. Miami is now three deep at the position.
Charlotte’s ensuing free kick ended up just high of the net.
Aviles gets first yellow of the game
Miami’s Aviles had been warned earlier, but after getting a little too physical against Charlotte’s Zaha while trying to prevent Zaha from getting around him, Aviles has been given the first card of the contest. It remains 0-0.
Charlotte starting to string chances together
After a slow start, Charlotte FC has started gaining some traction, often finding themselves deep in Miami territory. Although they’ve had limited attempts at the goal, they’ve had a few key corner opportunities that have ultimately been cleared away by Inter. Still, at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Charlotte gets a good cross and has their first great look at the goal.
Miami dominating scoring opportunities
Through 14 minutes, Miami has dominated this contest. They’ve maintained possession for most of the game and much of the showdown has been played in Charlotte territory. Miami has had ample scoring opportunities as well, most recently a shot at the top of the box from Cremaschi, straight into the chest of Charlotte GK Kahlina. Despite the lopsided play so far, it remains 0-0.
Messi starting on the bench for Inter Miami
Messi may not be starting today’s matchup against Charlotte, but he’s at least ready to play. Miami posted their starting 11, and the 2022 World Cup champion is not among the starters, but rather will come into the contest as a sub.
This isn’t new for Messi though. With Miami, the star forward came off the bench as recently as Sept. 18, 2024, during a game against Atlanta United. As is the case tonight, Messi was also recovering from an injury ahead of that contest.
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC odds
Inter Miami are favorites to beat Charlotte FC (as of Saturday), according to BetMGM.
Moneyline: Inter Miami (-200); Charlotte FC (+425); Tie (+350)
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC predictions
Sports Illustrated: Inter Miami CF 2-3 Charlotte FC
Ben Steiner writes, ‘The star power is undeniable whenever Miami are on the pitch, but Zaha proved he can lift Charlotte to new heights with his efforts last weekend. Meanwhile, 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Kristijan Kahlina also found his form again with a clean sheet.’
The Hard Tackle: Inter Miami 2-1 Charlotte FC
Staff writes, ‘Inter Miami’s dominant home record and attacking firepower make them favorites, but Charlotte FC’s resilience and recent unbeaten run suggest they won’t be easy to break down. Javier Mascherano’s men will look to impose themselves early, while Charlotte may opt for a compact, counter-attacking approach. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Mascherano and his charges.’
Charlotte starters
With Messi coming off the bench in Sunday’s contest, Charlotte FC may have an advantage to start the game. Here are their starters for tonight’s matchup.
What time is Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match?
Inter Miami CF takes on Charlotte FC from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 4 p.m. ET.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match
The Inter Miami CF match from Chase Stadium is available to viewers using MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Will Lionel Messi play Sunday vs. Charlotte FC?
Mascherano did not declare whether Messi would play against Charlotte, making the Inter Miami star’s status unknown as of Sunday morning.
Coach Javier Mascherano provided some promising news Saturday that Messi had made progress in his recovery from muscle fatigue, which had kept him out of Miami’s last two games. However, he also noted that the club would not take any risks when it comes to their superstar player.
But as the match approaches, it appears more and more likely that Messi will play. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen walking into Chase Stadium with Miami’s gameday squad.
While it is still possible that Messi is only suiting up while not preparing for much playtime, this is a very positive development for fans hoping to see him take the field for an MLS contest.
Safid Deen contributed to this story.
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