Sat Sep 13 22:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Messi Set to Star in Inter Miami Clash Against Red-Hot Charlotte FC**

**CHARLOTTE, NC** – Lionel Messi is slated to make his return to Major League Soccer (MLS) tonight as Inter Miami faces Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium. The match, expected to be a sellout, marks Inter Miami’s first game since their Leagues Cup final defeat to the Seattle Sounders on August 31st.

Inter Miami will face a tough challenge against Charlotte FC, who are on a phenomenal winning streak. Charlotte has the chance to tie an MLS record with nine consecutive wins with a victory against Inter Miami.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be available to stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Inter Miami will face a busy schedule of seven matches in the next 22 days. The team will be without Luis Suarez, who is serving a three-game MLS suspension and a six-match Leagues Cup suspension.

Charlotte, currently third in the Eastern Conference, has been dominant at home, not losing a match since May 24th. However, they will be without their coach, Dean Smith, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

Messi recently concluded his World Cup qualifier in Argentina with two goals in a 3-1 win against Venezuela on September 4.

“He was able to train with us all week. He trained well, so he’ll be ready for [Saturday],” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.

While Messi hasn’t declared he will play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, he did comment on the possibility. “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it.”

Read More