Inter Miami tops Charlotte FC sans Messi, with 10 men on field: Recap, highlights
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 are favorites to beat Charlotte FC (as of Saturday), according to BetMGM.
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.”
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.”
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.
Inter Miami CF takes on Charlotte FC from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 4 p.m. ET.
The Inter Miami CF match from Chase Stadium is available to viewers using MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
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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Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC highlights
FINAL: Miami 1, Charlotte 0
Another yellow card for Miami
Charlotte misses another great opportunity
Miami’s Ruiz’s fouled
Charlotte’s best look goes wide
Tadeo Allende gets Miami on the board
Halftime: 0-0
Ustari gets massive red card; Miami in trouble
Aviles gets first yellow of the game
Charlotte starting to string chances together
Miami dominating scoring opportunities
Messi starting on the bench for Inter Miami
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC odds
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC predictions
Charlotte starters
What time is Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match?
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match
Will Lionel Messi play Sunday vs. Charlotte FC?
Sports Illustrated: Inter Miami CF 2-3 Charlotte FC
The Hard Tackle: Inter Miami 2-1 Charlotte FC
Lionel Messi held out of Inter Miami win after Oscar Ustari red
Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano said he changed the game plan after goalkeeper Oscar Ustari received a red card in the first half of the match against Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium, preventing Lionel Messi from coming off the bench as a substitute.
“The reality is that in the case of Leo maybe we had thought about giving him minutes in the game,” Mascherano said after the match. “But since the game was played with one man less, and taking into consideration the time he has without playing, we thought that the best thing was to preserve it. We didn’t want to risk it.”
Ustari was sent off in the 35th minute for a foul on Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in a one-on-one situation where Zaha would have had a clear path to the goal.
Messi was included in the Inter Miami squad for the first time since Feb. 25, after he missed the matches against Houston Dynamo FC and Cavalier FC due to load management.
Mascherano made it clear last week that Messi had not suffered any kind of injury, but needed to be rested to avoid any future complications.
Despite its star player’s absence, Miami managed to triumph without Messi for a third time. The team defeated Charlotte 1-0 with a goal from new signing Tadeo Allende in the 46th minute, before defending well to avoid conceding an equalizer.
“I want to keep the resilience. Try to go forward,” Mascherano said. “I think today we showed a lot of team spirit. We need to continue in this way. Keep working together, working hard. We know that maybe we believe that we think that we are nice and beautiful. We are wrong. We need to keep going forward.”
Inter Miami, which hasn’t lost a game in all competitions so far this season, now prepare to travel to Jamaica for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 series against Cavalier FC. Miami leads the series 2-0 after defeating Cavalier in the first leg at Chase Stadium on Mar. 6.
“It’s a long season for us. We have a tough game Thursday. Will be difficult, difficult in Jamaica,” Mascherano added. “So we have to be ready. It’s not easy. We are playing every three, four days. We are tired. The squad is not too long. We have some injuries, but we keep going forward.
“In football, we have two ways. Excuses or results. And we have to choose results.”
Ale Moreno criticises Real Madrid’s failure to put the game beyond Rayo Vallecano, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men hold on for a 2-1 win. (1:19)
Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior scored in the first half to give Real Madrid an easy 2-1 win over neighbours Rayo Vallecano on Sunday that helped them draw level at the top of the table in the battle to retain their LaLiga crown.
Only one point separates Spain’s three biggest clubs in one of the closest title races in recent years with Barcelona leading the pack on 57 points, ahead of second-placed Real on goal difference with Atletico Madrid in third on 56 points after a 2-1 loss at Getafe earlier on Sunday.
Barça, who will face Atletico next Sunday, have a game in hand after their match against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed due to the sudden death of their team doctor.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several key starters including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Yet Real were still the better side and dominated proceedings from early on at their Bernabeu stadium.
They got a two-goal lead with quickfire strikes, as Mbappé finished a counter in the 30th minute and Vinícius extended their advantage with a fine individual goal four minutes later.
Vinícius also hit the post with a strike from just outside the box that could have extended their lead even further.
Rayo reduced the deficit in added time before the break with a tremendous shot from the edge of the area by Pedro Díaz, which hit the crossbar before bouncing over the goalline and then out again, with the VAR awarding the goal after it was not given by the referee.
Real did just enough to manage their lead after the break against a Rayo side that fought hard and created good chances but lacked firepower to pose a real threat to the LaLiga champions.
English Premier League
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Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano
Inter Miami CF Predicted Lineup vs Charlotte FC: MLS
Inter Miami CF look to keep their undefeated MLS season going when they take on Charlotte FC on Sunday afternoon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
After pushing past Jamaica’s Cavalier FC midweek in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 tie, the Herons return to MLS action, where they’ve not lost in the first two weeks.
In Week 1, they posted a dramatic 2–2 tie with NYCFC after playing with 10-men for over an hour, and Matchday 2 saw them secure a 4–1 win against the Houston Dynamo.
Lionel Messi is expected to be in the squad on Sunday after missing last week’s match in Houston and the Champions Cup match in Jamaica. He and Miami’s star power will battle a strong Charlotte side led by former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha and USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang.
The Herons have been strong on their home pitch recently, not dropping points in consecutive MLS matches at Chase Stadium since Matchday 17 and 18 of 2024.
Here’s what Inter Miami’s lineup could look like on Sunday.
GK: Oscar Ustari—With Drake Callender remaining injured, Ustari remains the top-choice for Miami.
RB: Ian Fray––Fray received a red card after the final whistle against Houston last week, but it was rescinded by the MLS Disciplinary Committee, making him eligible for Sunday.
CB: Tomas Aviles––After picking up a red card in the opener, the 21-year-old has returned to strong form.
CB: Noah Allen––A bright, young American center back, Allen played just 15 minutes midweek against Cavalier
LB: Jordi Alba––Jordi Alba had nine touches in the opposition box against Cavalier.
RM: Federico Redondo––At just 22-years-old, Redondo has already proven himself as an elite midfielder in MLS.
CM: Sergio Busquets––Even at 36, Busquets has been a consistent midfield presence for Inter Miami under Mascherano and previously, Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
LM: Telasco Segovia––Still early in his MLS career, the 21-year-old Venezuelan has been tremendous for the Herons. He has three goals and an assist in 104 MLS minutes.
RW: Lionel Messi––Messi has taken part in most training sessions, but could be a game-time decision for the Herons. On Saturday, he warmed up with the team in training but did not participate in the full session. If he’s not good to go, expect Benjamin Cremaschi to take the role.
ST: Luis Suárez––Despite consistent injury concerns, Suárez has been in-form to start the season and had four goal contributions, with a goal and three assists against Houston.
LW: Tadeo Allende––Allende scored a blistering strike against Houston and also found the back of the net against Cavalier. He’s been tremendous so far this season.
Ben Steiner is an American-Canadian journalist who brings in-depth experience, having covered the North American national teams, MLS, CPL, NWSL, NSL and Liga MX for prominent outlets, including MLSsoccer.com, CBC Sports, and OneSoccer.
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