Lionel Messi is fit and available to play in Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami on Saturday, March 14, on matchday four of the MLS.

Messi, 38, is on track to have another great season in Miami. In three MLS games played this season, the Argentine has scored three goals.

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Although he could not score or assist in the season opener against LAFC, Messi scored a brace against Orlando City on March 1 and scored again against D.C. United on the most recent matchday on March 7.

He is expected to start again against Charlotte and be accompanied by Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia in attack. Javier Mascherano will have to decide between playing Germán Berterame or veteran Luis Suárez.

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) participates in an Inter Miami Training Session at Florida Blue Training Center on March 10, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) participates in an Inter Miami Training Session at Florida Blue Training Center on March 10, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

(Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Messi will want to improve against Charlotte, the performance he showed against Nashville in the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 first leg.

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“Messi was kept surprisingly quiet in a poor fixture between two sides that looked more eager not to lose. The two teams combined for just five shots on target over the course of 90 minutes,” GOAL estimated after the match.

Inter Miami is currently third in the Eastern Conference with six points after three games, a record of two wins and one loss.

Charlotte, meanwhile, is in sixth place in the league standings with four points after three matches, and a record of one win, one draw, and one loss.

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After the game against Charlotte, the Herons will host Nashville SC to determine who advances to the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals.

Back in MLS, Inter Miami will travel to face New York City FC on Sunday, March 22, on matchday five.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.