Messi Eyes Milestone as Inter Miami Faces Charlotte FC
Charlotte, NC – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF travel to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, March 14, 2026, to face Charlotte FC in a key early-season matchup in Major League Soccer. Messi will be looking to add to his remarkable goal-scoring tally, aiming for his 900th career goal as Inter Miami seeks to climb the Eastern Conference standings. The match, set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, will be streamed live on Apple TV.
The Stakes in Charlotte
Both teams enter the contest with aspirations of establishing themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami, fresh off a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC in the Concachampions, currently sits just one point off the conference lead with six points. A win in Charlotte would be a significant step towards solidifying their position at the top. Charlotte FC, buoyed by a 3-1 victory over Austin FC, will be eager to build momentum and close the gap on the conference leaders. Four points from three matches puts them within striking distance, and a victory against a high-profile opponent like Inter Miami would send a strong message to the rest of the league.
How Inter Miami Shapes Up
Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami side will be looking to translate their Concachampions form into MLS success. The team’s attack, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, remains their primary threat. The lineup is expected to feature Dayne St. Clair in goal, a backline of Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcón, Micael, and Noah Allen, with Yannick Bright and Rodrigo De Paul anchoring the midfield. Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia will provide width, supporting Messi and Germán Berterame in the attack. The key for Inter Miami will be maintaining defensive solidity while maximizing Messi’s opportunities in the final third.
Charlotte FC’s Approach
Dean Smith will be hoping his Charlotte FC side can replicate their recent attacking performance against Austin FC. Kristijan Kahlina will start in goal, protected by a defense consisting of Nathan Byrne, Morrison Agyemang, Tim Ream, and Harry Toffolo. Brandt Bronico, Ashley Westwood, and Pep Biel will control the midfield, providing support to the attacking trio of Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, and Wilfried Zaha. Zaha’s experience and pace will be crucial in testing the Inter Miami defense.
Confirmed Lineups
Charlotte FC: Kristijan Kahlina; Nathan Byrne, Morrison Agyemang, Tim Ream, Harry Toffolo; Brandt Bronico, Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel; Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha. DT: Dean Smith.
Inter Miami: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcón, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Germán Berterame. DT: Javier Mascherano.
Match Details and Viewing Information
Charlotte FC and Inter Miami will clash at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, March 14th, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Guido González will serve as the match referee. For viewers in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile, the match will begin at 8:30 p.m. Local time. Fans in Venezuela and Bolivia can tune in at 7:30 p.m., while those in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Miami will see the action start at 6:30 p.m. Mexico viewers can catch the game at 5:30 p.m. The match will be exclusively available for streaming on Apple TV. Fans attending the match will receive a limited-edition Crown Hat presented by Atrium Health upon arrival.
What’s Next?
Following this weekend’s encounter, Inter Miami will return home to prepare for their next MLS fixture. Charlotte FC will also remain at Bank of America Stadium for their upcoming match. Details regarding those future matchups will be announced by the league in the coming days.
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