Sun Mar 09 20:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Inter Miami Holds On For 1-0 Victory Over Charlotte FC Despite Red Card and Messi’s Absence

**MIAMI, FL** – Inter Miami CF secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday, despite playing a man down for over half the match. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was sent off in the 35th minute for a foul on Wilfried Zaha, forcing coach Javier Mascherano to adjust his game plan and leave superstar Lionel Messi on the bench.

Mascherano explained that the decision to keep Messi out was precautionary, citing the red card and Messi’s recent time off for load management. “In Leo’s case, we had considered giving him minutes,” Mascherano said post-match, “but playing with one man less, and considering his time off, we thought it best to preserve him.” Messi’s return to the squad after a nearly month-long absence was nonetheless a positive note for the team.

The winning goal came from new signing Tadeo Allende in the 46th minute. Inter Miami’s defense then held firm against a determined Charlotte attack, securing the team’s third win this season without Messi.

Mascherano praised his team’s resilience and team spirit, stating, “We showed a lot of team spirit. We need to continue in this way… In football, we have two ways: excuses or results. And we have to choose results.”

Inter Miami remains unbeaten this season and now turns its attention to the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 tie against Cavalier FC in Jamaica on Thursday. Miami currently holds a commanding 2-0 lead. Mascherano acknowledged the challenges ahead, citing fatigue and injuries within the squad, but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome adversity.

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