2 hours ago
Inter Miami played to a 0-0 draw against Charlotte FC at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This result keeps the Florida team among the leading sides in the MLS Eastern Conference. Coach Javier Mascherano made several changes to the lineup compared to previous matches, with one of the most notable absences being Lionel Messi, who was not included in the squad.
A team with many rotations
It was later confirmed that the Argentine captain did not travel with the team to North Carolina.
Messi's last appearance for Inter Miami was midweek in the 0-0 draw against Nashville SC during the first leg of the round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Morales explains the decision
After the match, Mascherano did not speak to the media due to a red card he received at the end of the game. Instead, assistant coach Javier Morales clarified the reason for Messi's absence.
Morales confirmed that Messi is in good physical condition, but the coaching staff decided to rest him because of the demanding schedule.
"We have important games coming up, especially on Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup. We have been playing Wednesday and Saturday, so we thought this was the best decision," he explained.
The priority: Concacaf
Inter Miami's focus is now on the second leg against Nashville, a crucial match to advance in the continental tournament.
The match will be played at home, and the team hopes to have Messi fully fit to help secure a place in the next round.
A point that keeps the team up
Despite the rotations and playing without their star player, Inter Miami managed to earn a point on the road and remain competitive in MLS.
The draw also reflects the coaching staff's strategy: to manage the workload of key players to keep them in optimal condition for the decisive matches of the season.
