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.

Will Lionel Messi play as Inter Miami takes on Charlotte FC tonight? Folllow along live for the latest updates

Inter Miami have enjoyed a remarkable run in 2025, remaining undefeated so far. However, Lionel Messi has missed the team's last two matches, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming clash with Charlotte FC.

Miami, who is coming off the first leg of its CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup with Cavalier, started off the season with a hard-fought 2-2 draw with New York City FC. Then, on the road last Sunday, Luis Suarez and Telasco Segovia led the charge in a 4-1 thrashing of the Houston Dynamo.

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano said he is optimistic Lionel Messi could make the roster for the match against Charlotte FC on Sunday night at Chase Stadium, though added he was unwilling to take unnecessary risks with the star player.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi returned to the club's training sessions Saturday, a potentially positive sign for the team ahead of its clash against Charlotte FC Sunday. The Herons manager Javier Mascherano is hopeful of a return of his star player but insisted he will be cautious in determining if the 37-year-old can play.