Lionel Messi never saw the field during Sunday's game between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC. He wasn't needed though as Miami emerged victorious, 1-0.

After missing Inter Maiami's last two matches for load management, Lionel Messi could return for a match facing Charlotte FC at home on Sunday. The Herons were able to see defeat Cavalier SC in Champions Cup play and will now have another test with Wilfried Zaha coming to town.

Lionel Messi returned to the active roster on Sunday after missing back-to-back games, but he was not in the Inter Miami starting lineup against Charlotte FC. The Argentine captain began the game on the bench on a sunny afternoon at Chase Stadium.

Mascherano revealed Messi did not play against Charlotte because goalkeeper Oscar Ustari's early red card changed the course of the match for Inter Miami. The head coach confirmed throwing the 37-year-old into a game where the Herons were down a man for over 52 minutes was too big of a risk.

Inter Miami have been extremely protective of their legendary superstar ever since Lionel Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023, even as questions are raised about his fitness after multiple matches missed.

Inter Miami's sporting project continues to take shape. Along with preserving their unbeaten record in 2025, Javier Mascherano has brought in another Argentine young player to provide additional support for Lionel Messi.