Could Messi Face Ronaldo Again? Rumors Swirl as Inter Miami Captain Rests in Charlotte Draw
Could Messi Face Ronaldo Again? Rumors Swirl as Inter Miami Captain Rests in Charlotte Draw
While Inter Miami CF secured a gritty 0-0 draw on the road against Charlotte FC on Saturday, the biggest headlines weren't about the action on the pitch at Bank of America Stadium. Lionel Messi, who traveled with the team to North Carolina, was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad by head coach Javier Mascherano. The decision was officially framed as a tactical rest, but it has ignited a firestorm of speculation. Reportedly, Messi is being preserved for a high-profile series of friendlies, with rumors suggesting he could replace Cristiano Ronaldo in a historic match for the reopening of the Estadio Azteca later this year.
On the field, the match was a tactical battle of attrition. Charlotte FC, playing in front of a massive home crowd at "The Fortress," looked to exploit the absence of Messi and the injured Rodrigo De Paul. The Spanish midfielder Pep Biel was the creative engine for Charlotte, creating several big chances that forced Inter Miami’s new goalkeeper, Dayne St. Clair, into action. Despite the lack of goals, the intensity was high, culminating in a dramatic 90th-minute red card for Mascherano, who was sent off for dissent during a heated stoppage-time period.
Inter Miami’s Defensive Resilience
Without their talisman, the Herons had to rely on a disciplined defensive performance. Luis Suarez led the line but found himself isolated for long stretches as Charlotte’s backline, led by Kristijan Kahlina, remained organized. Miami controlled long periods of possession but lacked the clinical final pass that Messi usually provides. New additions like German Berterame showed flashes of quality, but the night belonged to the defenses. Kahlina’s save on a Suarez header in the 75th minute was the highlight of a game that proved Miami can be difficult to beat even without their superstar.
Charlotte FC will feel they missed an opportunity to claim all three points. Under Dean Smith, the team has shown a tenacity that makes them a difficult out at home. Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha both had opportunities to find the breakthrough, but the final whistle blew on a stalemate that leaves Charlotte with a 1-1-2 record for the season. For Miami, the point is valuable, keeping them near the top of the Eastern Conference with 7 points from four games, following their previous 2-1 win over D.C. United.
Roster Moves and International Rumors
The decision to rest Messi comes at a critical juncture for Inter Miami. They are set to face Nashville SC on Wednesday in a pivotal Concacaf Champions Cup clash, a competition that remains the club’s top priority for 2026. Additionally, sources say Argentina is in advanced talks for a series of pre-World Cup friendlies that may require Messi to limit his MLS minutes in the coming months. The rumor mill is also spinning with the possibility of a "Last Dance" style match at the Estadio Azteca, which would see Messi headline a global select XI.
As the team returns to Florida, the focus shifts to Mascherano's availability on the sidelines following his dismissal. The young coach has brought a new tactical rigidity to Miami, but his fiery temperament remains a talking point. With a roster that features aging superstars like Suarez and Sergio Busquets, managing minutes is a delicate balancing act. Whether the rest for Messi was truly just tactical or a sign of bigger things to come on the international stage, Inter Miami fans will be counting the days until their captain returns to the starting eleven for the upcoming clash against NYCFC.
