Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC Live Updates: Messi comes off the bench

After a huge 4-1 win over Houston a week ago, Inter Miami wants to preserve its momentum when preparing to take on Another 1-0-1 team in mls, Charlotte FC.

While a quick look at the position and the target differences may have to believe that Miami was the running favorite with or without Lionel MessiCharlotte is not a team that needs to be neglected. As a member of Inter Miami, Messi has not yet beaten Charlotte in the MLS game and goes 0-1-1 in two competitions. Although they defeated Charlotte 4-0 in a League Cup matchup in 2023.

Still, Messi’s recent absence during Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston had some fans wondering if he would return to play Sunday. The victory against Houston was the first time Messi had missed action in 2025, after playing in both Miamis Concacaf Champions Cup games as well as Miami’s regular seasonal opener against New York City FC. However, he missed Thursday’s fixture against Cavalier SC, with coach Javier Mascherano with reference to the fatigue of the absence. There is hope that he will fit against Charlotte.

Follow here as we bring you live updates from this highly expected match between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC.

Miami may be out front, but their lead is certainly not sure. In an attempt to double their lead, Ruiz made a step down the left wing, but was buried hard by Nathan Byrne. Byrne did not earn a card, but Ruiz was on the ground for about a minute before the game resumed. In the end, Miami’s attack was stopped after the subsequent free kick.

Most of Charlotte’s appearance on the web has come via cross to the left wing. In the 65th minute, Charlotte got their best look as a cross was able to find Zaha in a headline. Unfortunately, the ball went just wide to the right of the goal. Miami maintains their 1-0 lead.

Inter Miami quickly came out to start the second half. Despite playing with only 10 players, Miami was able to get on the board just two minutes into the second half, and no one but Tadeo Allende got it. A number of stars pass between Luis Suarez and Allende woven through the Charlotte defense and gave Allende a good look on the web. He put it just below the goalkeeper’s hip and into the right side of the net. Miami leads 1-0.

It has been a tale of two halves in the first half. Miami dominated the first 20 minutes, with chance by chance and a few good looks on the web. However, the last 30 minutes were Charlotte’s moments. The red card for Miami GK Ustari was obviously big, but the game was largely used on the Miami territory thanks to having an extra player. Despite the eventful half, there have still been no goals.

Miami GK Ustari needed to play after a lead lob pass came through the Miami defense. However, in an attempt to stop urgency, Ustari got contact with Zaha’s legs just outside the box and stumbled the former Crystal Palace forward.

Just 40 minutes into the game, Miami is now forced to play the rest of the game with only 10 players. Rios Novo has entered the game in the goalkeeper. Miami is now three deep in the position.

Charlotte’s subsequent free kick ended up just out loud.

Miamis Aviles had been warned earlier, but after being a little too physically against Charlotte’s Zaha while trying to prevent Zaha from getting around him, Aviles has got the first card in the competition. It remains 0-0.

After a slow start, Charlotte FC has started to get a traction and often find themselves deep in the Miami territory. Although they have had limited attempts at the target, they have had a few key corner options that have ultimately been cleared away by Inter. At this speed, it is still only a matter of time before Charlotte gets a good cross and has their first big look at the goal.

For 14 minutes, Miami has dominated this competition. They have maintained possession of most of the game and much of the showdown has been played on Charlotte Territory. Miami has also had plenty of scoring options, most recently a shot at the top of the cremaschi box, right into the chest of Charlotte GK Kahlina. Despite the crooked game so far, it remains 0-0.

What time is inter miami vs. Charlotte FC match?

Inter Miami CF takes Charlotte FC from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at. 16.00 one.

How to see Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match

Inter Miami CF match from Chase Stadium is available to viewers using MLS season passes on Apple TV.

Messi may not start today’s matchup against Charlotte, but he is at least ready to play. Miami announced their start 11, and the World Cup in 2022 is not among starters, but will rather enter the competition as a sub.

However, this is not new to Messi. With Miami, the star came out of the bench as late as September 18, 2024 during a game against Atlanta United. As is the case tonight, Messi was also recovering from an injury prior to this competition.

Inter Miami are favorites for beating Charlotte FC (from Saturday), according to Betmgm.

Moneyline: Inter Miami (-200); Charlotte FC (+425); Slips (+350)

Sports illustrated: Inter Miami CF 2-3 Charlotte FC

Ben Steiner writes, “Starpower is undeniable every time Miami is on the field, but Zaha proved he can lift Charlotte to new heights with his efforts last weekend. Meanwhile 2024 MLS goalkeeper in the year Kristijan Kahlina also found his shape again with a clean sheet.”

The hard tackle: Inter Miami 2-1 Charlotte FC

The staff writes, “Inter Miami’s dominant home post and attacking firepower makes them favorites, but Charlotte FC’s resilience and the recent undefeated race suggest that they will not be easy to collapse. Javier Mascherano’s men will appear to impose on themselves early, while Charlotte can choose a compact, counter -attack.

As Messi comes from the bench in Sunday’s competition, Charlotte FC may have an advantage to start the game. Here are their starters for tonight’s matchup.

Mascherano did not declare if Messi would play against Charlotte, which made the Inter Miami star’s status unknown from Sunday morning.

Coach Javier Mascherano delivered some promising news on Saturday that Messi had made progress with his improvement from muscle fatigue, which had kept him out of Miami’s last two matches. 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 seems more and more likely that Messi will play. The eight-time balloon d’Or winner was seen going into Chase Stadium with Miami’s Gameday team.

Although it is still possible that Messi only fits up while not preparing for much playing time, this is a very positive development for fans who hope to see him take the field to an MLS competition.

Safid deen contributed to this story.

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Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC Live Updates: Messi comes off the bench

What time is inter miami vs. Charlotte FC match?

How to see Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match

Sports illustrated: Inter Miami CF 2-3 Charlotte FC

The hard tackle: Inter Miami 2-1 Charlotte FC

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