Inter Miami drew 0-0 with Charlotte FC in a game played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This result kept the Florida team among the top teams in the MLS Eastern Conference. Coach Javier Mascherano announced a lineup with several changes compared to previous games. Among the most notable absentees was Lionel Messi, who was not even part of the squad.
Teams with a lot of rotation
It was later confirmed that the Argentina captain did not travel with the team to North Carolina.
Messi’s last appearance for Inter Miami was in the 0-0 draw against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup in midweek.
Morales explains his decision
After the match, Mascherano did not appear to the media as he had received a red card at the end of the match. Instead, assistant coach Javier Morales explained the reason for the Argentine star’s absence.
Morales clarified that although Messi is feeling well, the coaching staff has decided to give him a rest due to his busy schedule.
“We have important games coming up, especially the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday. We have played on Wednesday and Saturday, so we thought this was the best decision.”
Priority: Concacafe
Inter Miami is now focused on the second leg against Nashville, a crucial match to advance to the continental tournament.
The match will be held at home, and the team is aiming for Messi to be in perfect physical condition to qualify for the next round.
Points to maintain the team
Despite rotations and playing without star players, Inter Miami managed to pick up a point on the road and remain competitive in MLS.
This draw confirms the coaching staff’s strategy of managing the workload of key players to ensure they are in peak condition for the season’s decisive battle.
