Inter Miami CF is on track to continue their undefeated start to the Major League Soccer (MLS) season as they prepare to face off against Charlotte FC on March 9, 2025, at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The spotlight remains firmly on the team’s superstar Lionel Messi, who has been recovering from muscle overload but is anticipated to play, albeit possibly from the bench.
Coach Javier Mascherano provided an optimistic yet cautious update leading up to the match, stating, "Messi is muchbetter. Before the MLS game, which we still have training sessions for, we’re going to evaluate him. We’re optimistic if everything goes well, there’s a possibility he’ll be called up." His words reflect the careful balancing act the team must maintain between the urgency of early-season competition and the long-term well-being of their star player.
Inter Miami's recent performances set the stage for what promises to be an exciting matchup. The team has been impressive across multiple competitions, beginning the year with notable victories such as their 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City, followed by another solid 3-1 win over the same opponent, setting the tone for their campaign. More recently, Inter Miami cruised to victory with a commanding 4-1 performance against the Houston Dynamo. Not forgetting, they managed to secure ties with NYCFC even after playing over 60 minutes with only ten players. This unbeaten run has created significant momentum going forward.
On the other side of the pitch, Charlotte FC also brings excitement to the clash. The team is buoyed by their own recent successes, concluding their last two matches with solid performances, including their 2-0 win over Atlanta United. Notably, Wilfried Zaha made his MLS debut during this match, contributing one goal and assisting another. The 32-year-old forward, known for his time at Crystal Palace, has already begun to make waves, showcasing his talent on the field.
The predicted starting lineups for both teams hint at the tactical battles to come. For Inter Miami, Mascherano is expected to deploy Oscar Ustari as goalkeeper, followed by defenders Gonzalo Luján, Toto Aviles, Noah Allen, and Jordi Alba. The midfield will see veteran Sergio Busquets captaining alongside Yannick Bright and Telasco Segovia, offering both experience and youthful energy. Up front, the attacking line could feature Luis Suárez, Tadeo Allende, and possibly Messi.
Charlotte FC’s head coach, Dean Smith, is likely to put forth Kristijan Kahlina as their goalkeeper, with a defensive line including Nathan Byrne, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, and Tim Ream. The midfield and attack will be fortified by players such as Kerwin Vargas, Ashley Westwood, Brandt Bronico, and Wilfried Zaha leading the charge. The contrasting styles between the experienced Inter Miami side and the fresh, dynamic approach of Charlotte FC will be pivotal as the match progresses.
With the stakes high for both teams, the encounter is more than just about securing points. It’s about proving oneself early on, setting the tone for the remainder of the season, and, for fans, it is simply thrilling to see their favorite players vie for victory on the pitch. While Inter Miami boasts of its recent history and recent Cup victories, Charlotte seeks to establish its own momentum by challenging one of the league's standout teams.
Messi’s situation remains fluid as he continues to recover. While not starting today, his experience could be invaluable should he join during the game’s later stages, contributing to Inter Miami maintaining its undefeated streak. Should he play, the crowd can expect electrifying moments, particularly with Messi's ability to change the game's dynamics single-handedly, often leaving opponents scrambling.
Regardless of the outcome, this match poses as both teams lead the early MLS season with passion and skill. It will stand as another chapter to their rivalry, with both hoping to emerge victorious and take one step closer to securing valuable playoff positions.
This match is more than just points; it symbolizes team spirit, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence as Inter Miami entertains fans and competitively positions itself against Charlotte FC. One thing is for sure: soccer fans will be buzzing with excitement when these two teams face off.