Without Lionel Messi, confirmed lineups for Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami in 2026 MLS

With two wins and one loss in their first three matches of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami are gradually finding their best form. This Saturday they face another challenge against Charlotte FC, and as usual Lionel Messi is at the center of the spotlight.

This time, however, the Argentine forward is making headlines not for his performances on the field or potential records, but for his absence. Head coach Javier Mascherano decided that Messi would not be part of the starting lineup or the bench in order to preserve his fitness ahead of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC next Wednesday.

It is a significant loss for Inter Miami, as is the absence of Rodrigo De Paul, and it will likely impact their chances of securing a victory in North Carolina. So far, the team has recorded one defeat and two wins in the 2026 MLS season, placing them third in the Eastern Conference standings with six points.

On the other side will be Charlotte FC, who opened the season with a draw against St. Louis City SC, followed by a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy and a victory last week against Austin FC. That places them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with four points.

Confirmed lineup for Charlotte FC

Unlike most Inter Miami matches, in which opponents focus their efforts on neutralizing Lionel Messi, this time Charlotte FC’s task will be to take advantage of his absence and impose their own style of play.

With that in mind, the confirmed lineup for Charlotte FC against the Herons is: Kristijan Kahlina; Nathan Byrne, Morrison Agyemang, Tim Ream, Harry Toffolo; Brandt Bronico, Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel; Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha.

Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami

Saturday’s matchup against Charlotte FC comes at an awkward moment in the schedule for the Herons. They played just three days ago against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 — a 0-0 draw at Geodis Park — and will decide the series next Wednesday at Chase Stadium.

For that reason, head coach Javier Mascherano will be without key players in his starting lineup. In addition to the absences of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who are being rested, Maximiliano Falcon is out due to physical issues.

Inter Miami’s confirmed XI is: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon; Mateo Silvetti, David Ayala, David Ruiz, Santiago Morales; Daniel Pinter, Luis Suarez.