After missing Inter Maiami's last two matches for load management, Lionel Messi could return for a match facing Charlotte FC at home on Sunday. The Herons were able to see defeat Cavalier SC in Champions Cup play and will now have another test with Wilfried Zaha coming to town.

Lionel Messi returned to the active roster on Sunday after missing back-to-back games, but he was not in the Inter Miami starting lineup against Charlotte FC. The Argentine captain began the game on the bench on a sunny afternoon at Chase Stadium.

Despite playing with 10 players again on Sunday afternoon, Inter Miami CF kept the good times rolling with a 1–0 win over Charlotte FC. Tadeo Allende scored the winning goal for the Herons as they picked up their second win in a row in MLS play,

Inter Miami have been extremely protective of their legendary superstar ever since Lionel Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023, even as questions are raised about his fitness after multiple matches missed.

Lionel Messi did not play against Charlotte because Inter Miami had to play down a man after Oscar Ustari's early red card.

Inter Miami's sporting project continues to take shape. Along with preserving their unbeaten record in 2025, Javier Mascherano has brought in another Argentine young player to provide additional support for Lionel Messi.