By Inter Miami is set to face Charlotte FC in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday. Still, it will do so without their star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. This encounter presents a significantly different scenario from their last meeting in October 2023, when Charlotte FC secured a historic 1-0 victory to clinch their first-ever MLS playoff berth.
The absence of Messi and Suarez, who are participating in the Copa America with their respective national teams, could prove advantageous for Charlotte FC. Head coach Dean Smith acknowledged this, stating, “I’d much rather play a Miami team that hasn’t got the best player in the world in it.”
Despite missing their key players, Inter Miami remains a formidable opponent, having won their last three games and currently leading the Eastern Conference. The team still boasts Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in their ranks.
Charlotte FC, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, views this match as an opportunity to test themselves against the league leaders. The team is unbeaten in their last six home games and looks to bounce back from a recent 1-0 loss to Houston Dynamo.
While Messi and Suarez won’t feature in this MLS fixture, Charlotte residents may still have a chance to see these global superstars in action soon. Bank of America Stadium is set to host Copa America matches, including potential semifinal and third-place games that could involve Uruguay (Suarez’s team) or Argentina (Messi’s team).
This match, although lacking the star power and high stakes of their previous encounter, remains crucial for both teams. For Charlotte FC, it’s an opportunity to take points from the league leaders and solidify their position in the conference. For Inter Miami, it’s a chance to prove their strength even without their marquee players.
As the MLS season progresses and the Copa America unfolds, the dynamics of this match highlight the interplay between domestic league competition and international tournaments, showcasing the depth and adaptability of teams in the face of player absences.
