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Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC Confirmed Lineups & Latest Team News: Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight?
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- Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC Confirmed Lineups & Latest Team News: Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight?
Inter Miami CF host Charlotte FC at Nu Stadium on Saturday, November 7, as both sides prepare for the final matchday of the 2026 MLS regular season, known as Decision Day. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium.
Miami want to finish on a high, and Lionel Messi is chasing the Golden Boot.
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Charlotte, under Dean Smith, come in after beating Orlando City 4-0, but they're without Allan Saint-Maximin, who was sent off in that game and is suspended. Both teams are looking to carry some momentum into the playoffs.
The two teams will meet at Nu Stadium for their final regular-season fixture, with both looking to carry momentum into the MLS Cup playoffs.
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC: Confirmed Team News
Inter Miami team news
Kily González has nearly a full squad to pick from on Saturday. Only three players are out : Fricio Caicedo with a knee injury, plus Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti .
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Lionel Messi should start after another strong season in front of goal, and he'll be looking to add to his tally in the last regular-season game as he chases the Golden Boot. Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame are expected to join him, so González will likely stick with his usual attacking trio.
In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul should keep his place. Yannick Bright and Matías Galarza are both in the running to start, and David Ayala is another option in there.
Is Lionel Messi Playing Today?
Lionel Messi should start for Inter Miami in Saturday's encounter against Charlotte FC. The Argentine enters the final matchday of the 2026 MLS regular season leading the goalscoring charts with 26 goals (alongside 16 assists), holding a four-goal advantage over his closest pursuer, Petar Musa (22 goals).
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Charlotte FC team news
Charlotte FC have many absentees ahead of their trip to Florida, with Allan Saint-Maximin's suspension being their biggest setback.
The French winger was sent off during Charlotte's 4-0 victory over Orlando City and will therefore miss the final regular-season fixture.
Tim Ream, Brandt Bronico, Archie Goodwin, Nimfasha Berchimas and Aron John are also unavailable .
Dean Smith will have to rely heavily on Idan Toklomati and Pep Biel to provide the attacking inspiration. Toklomati is expected to lead the line, with Biel operating behind him in the number 10 role.
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Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC Confirmed Lineups
Inter Miami starting XI (4-3-3)
St. Clair; Fray, Casemiro, Micael, Reguilón; De Paul, Ayala, Segovia; Messi, Suárez, Berterame.
Charlotte FC starting XI (4-2 -3-1)
Kahlina; Byrne, Kessler, Morrison, Toffolo; Westwood, Diani; Abada, Biel, Torre; Toklomati.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
