Inter Miami - Charlotte FC live online stats, score and updates | MLS
Inter Miami - Charlotte FC: Live updates
Inter Miami see another spell of pressure break down and Charlotte are back on the attack, gradually passing their way up the field.
That's been an issue for Inter Miami in the opening stages. They haven't managed to build any sustained pressure in the Charlotte half.
Neat one-two from Gressel and Suarez on the edge of the box, sending the Uruguayan running in behind the Charlotte backline. He clips a cross into the middle but no one's there to meet it.
Charlotte take the game to Miami in opening stages.
Halfway through the first half, this game has been surprisingly even.
Inter Miami have dominated the possession but Charlotte have fashioned some real openings with quality crosses and quick break. Dean Smith will be happy with this start.
Inter Miami win a free kick in the Charlotte half and Messi spots an opportunity. He takes the kick quickly, clipping the ball over the defence for Gomez to run on to.
Gomez bares down on goal but he's crowded out by recovering defenders and Charlotte manage to clear.
Again, another swift break from Charlotte leaves Inter Miami struggling at the back. The visitors have a 3-on-2 in the Miami box but Liel Abada takes a heavy touch and the chance disappears.
We're only 20 minutes in and we're already seeing huge spaces appearing in the midfield, making the game feeling very end-to-end.
This has harmed Inter Miami in recent days and they've dropped points late on because of it!
Nearly an opening for Miami as Gomez wins the ball high up and finds Suarez on the edge of the box. Suarez slides the ball through to Messi but the Argentine takes a surprisingly loose touch and Ream gets back to pinch the ball back.
Brilliant pass from Westwood to find Byrne in space on the right flank. He curls in a cross towards Swiderski in the middle but the No. 9 can't bring the ball down and the chance goes begging.
Another chance goes begging for the visitors.
It's end-to-end now.
Miami come forward with Jordi Alba, who tries to loft a volleyed cross into the box. He miscues his effort but it causes panic who the Charlotte goalkeeper, who watches it bounce just wide of his back post.
Another dangerous ball from Charlotte FC, this time from Biel Mas on the right flank. Again, it's a teasing delivery but again there's no one in the middle to finish the chance.
Charlotte need more from Swiderski there!
Long ball forward from Charlotte finds the head of Karol Swiderski, who tries an outrageous flicked header to beat Callender. His looping effort spins up into the air and onto the roof of the net.
Inter Miami break with Diego Gomez on the left. He makes good progress to surge into the box but is a little indecisive and can't find a teammate in the middle.
Good work from Abada on the left flank, cutting inside onto his right foot and curling in a low cross. It causes panic in the Miami defence but there's no one there to finish.
Big chance for the visitors!
Lionel Messi misses one-on-one!
SLick move from Inter Miami sets Messi running in on goal. He's behind the backline but chooses to shoot from 18 yards and sees his effort saved from Kahlina.
Messi took that very early, probably fearing that he didn't have the pace to take it much further.
Good work from Liel Abada to pinch the ball off Alba and win Charlotte a throw-in on the right flank. A chance for them to get the ball under control.
It looks like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are starting as a two up front, operating as an old fashioned strikerforce.
First bit of quality from Miami with Messi sliding the ball out to Alba on the left. Alba zips a low pass across the face of goal but Diego Gomez can't turn it home.
Good opening for the hosts.
Inter Miami are playing with Sergio Busquets as part of the central defensive pairing alongside Tomas Aviles. Yannick Bright is dropping into defence for the build-up.
Finally a few touches with Charlotte, who immediately look for Brandt Bronico on the left flank. He darts inside and wins a free kick for his team.
Solid start for Inter Miami, who knock the ball around the midfield coolly. Charlotte FC sit back in defence.
And we're off!
Inter Miami get things underway.
Inter Miami - Charlotte FC team news.
Moments to go until kick-off now. Here's one final look at the two teams...
Inter Miami ready for action.
The Herons could essentially wrap up the Supporters' Shield with a win tonight. They can do so mathematically against Columbus Crew next week, but a victory this evening would be a big step forward.
The teams are out!
The players of Inter Miami and Charlotte FC are out on the field ahead of kick-off at Chase Stadium.
Lionel Messi and Ashley Westwood shakes hands with the referee.
With just four Matchdays remaining in the regular season, the race for the MLS Golden Boot is really heating up. Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are among the names in contention but there's a former Premier League star at the top of the charts as it stands...
Just minutes to go until kick-off at Chase Stadium.
The scene is set. The stands are packed. We're nearly ready for the off in South Florida, as Inter Miami take on Charlotte FC.
Watch: Charlotte FC breeze past New England
They weren't up against much opposition, but Charlotte showed what they could do in last weekend's 4-0 win over the Revolution. This goal from Kerwin Vargas was the icing on the cake, a brilliant team goal with an inch-perfect finish.
Lionel Messi has been making memories throughout his stellar career and has lift his mark on MLS during his time in the league. This heart-warming video shows the Argentine taking the time to chat with sick children in Miami.
Can Charlotte FC pull off a shock against Inter Miami?
Charlotte FC are coached by former Aston Villa and Norwich City boss Dean Smith, who has overseen real growth during his time in charge. Speaking ahead of kick-off Smith insisted that his team wouldn't be overly focused on Inter Miami, although they would seek to slow him down in possession.
Kick-off fast approaching at Chase Stadium.
The Herons have the chance to bounce back this evening and have named a full strength team to take on Charlotte FC.
The players are out on the turf for the warm-ups in Miami. Kick-off around 20 minutes away now.
Charlotte in the house.
Amid all the talk of Inter Miami's record hunt, the importance of tonight's game for Charlotte FC should not be underestimated. They have shown improvement under Dean Smith this season and Charlotte find themselves just four points off fourth place, within reach of home advantage for the post-season.
A victory against Miami this evening would be a real confidence boost for the Crown.
After a decade in English soccer, Ashley Westwood swapped the Premier League for MLS when he made the move to North Carolina.
Over the summer we spoke to the Charlotte FC captain about the decision to leave England, his impressions of MLS and his ambitions with his new team.
Inter Miami look to return to winning ways.
The Herons have now failed to win two consecutive games, a long stretch by their incredible 2024 standards. After draws against Atlanta United and New York City FC, can they clinch the three points today?
The Supporters' Shield could be wrapped up in the coming days, but the big prize is still to play for. Inter Miami will be focused on the playoffs and Tata Martino insists that Lionel Messi will be hitting top form when it really matters...
Charlotte FC name full-strength XI.
And here's how the visitors line up. Former Premier League star Ashley Westwood captains the team. DP striker Karol Swiderski retains his place up front, despite an impressive performance from Patrick Agyemang off the bench midweek.
Inter Miami team news.
Here's how Tata Martino's side line up this evening. No major surprises, all of Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba named in the starting XI.
Inter Miami players close to suspension.
While we await official team news for Inter Miami, here's a look at their suspension situation.
The Herons are without Noah Allen due to accumulation of yellow cards. However they have a number of players who are just one booking away from a suspension, including Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.
Luis Suarez goes blonde!
We've seen plenty of soccer players go for a shocking blonde look in recent years, Lionel Messi included, but who would've expected this? The 37-year-old Luis Suarez is experimenting with a new look.
Platinum blonde for the Golden Boot winner? We'll find out...
How many teams would have their all-time record goalscorer unable to force his way into the team. That's the fate that has befell Inter Miami striker Leonardo Campana, who came off the bench last week to break the club's all-time goals record.
Who are Inter Miami playing today?
The Herons continue their Supporters' Shield pursuit at home against Charlotte FC. Here's the full MLS schedule for Matchday 35, which features plenty of exciting clashes...
With so many attacking talents at Tata Martino's disposal, the Inter Miami head coach has a tough job keeping his squad happy as we approach the business end of the season.
Will he be tempted to rest Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez ahead of the post-season? Here's how the Herons could line up...
Charlotte FC touch down in Florida.
Despite talk of Hurricane Helene disrupting tonight's game, the players and staff of Charlotte FC made to Miami safely. Conditions may be a bit breezy, but we're definitely going to see MLS action.
Is Lionel Messi fit to play for Inter Miami?
“The more full games Leo [Messi] plays, the better he will get. Obviously Leo doesn’t need to do different physical work in training, but rather a competitive rhythm every time he plays 90 minutes."
"That gives me an idea that he’s going to be in very good shape for the playoffs, because in addition to the games he plays with us, he also has games with the national team. So we have a lot of hope that he’ll be in very good shape for the playoffs”.
Inter Miami look to return to winning ways.
Strangely, Inter Miami's form has actually dipped since the return of Lionel Messi three games ago. The Argentine starred in his first game back but the Herons have gone on to draw the two following fixtures, losing pace in their pursuit of the MLS single-season points record.
First things first. While we will have live coverage right here, you can also follow Inter Miami - Charlotte FC with Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass. Here's everything you need to know...
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you full live coverage of Inter Miami - Charlotte FC in MLS.
I'm Will Gittins, US soccer correspondent, and I'll be taking you through the action from Chase Stadium. Away we go!