Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on 2026 MLS Matchday 4?

Inter Miami face Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium for 2026 MLS Matchday 4, eyeing their third consecutive league victory. According to ESPN, Lionel Messi will rest tonight as the coaching staff aim to have him fully fit for Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville SC.

As a result, the Argentine will have to wait one more match to continue making history. When he scores his next official goal, Messi will reach 900 career goals, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players in professional soccer history to hit that milestone.

While Inter Miami are focused on securing three points in Charlotte, they must also keep an eye on the return leg against Nashville, set for Wednesday, March 18, at Chase Stadium. In addition to Messi’s absence, Rodrigo De Paul is also expected to be rested tonight to ensure he is fully fit for the return leg.

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Following the 0–0 stalemate in the opener, Nashville hold a slight strategic advantage due to the away goals rule; a scored draw in the second leg would see the visitors advance.

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Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

For this match, Javier Mascherano will be able to count on Sergio Reguilon, who has recovered from the ankle injury he sustained during the preseason and was already on the bench during the draw in the Concacaf Champions League. However, Maximiliano Falcon suffered a knee injury and will be out for several matches.

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see also

Javier Mascherano says Luis Suarez is ready to play as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami head to Charlotte

This is the confirmed starting XI to face Charlotte FC: Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Lujan, Melli, Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon; Mateo Silvetti, David Ruiz, David Ayala, Santiago Morales; Daniel Pinter, Luis Suarez.

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Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he now covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA.

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