Messi’s absence fuels speculation as Inter Miami takes on Charlotte FC | OneFootball

Inter Miami begins the 2025 MLS campaign in flying colors, looking to extend its unbeaten streak against Charlotte FC this Sunday. Having key victories in both MLS and the Concachampions, Javier Mascherano's team comes in with good momentum, but with one everybody wants answered: Lionel Messi.

While Telasco Segovia shines and makes history in the league, Messi’s absence in the last two games has sparked a wave of speculation. The Argentine is not injured, but he wasn’t included in the squad due to muscle fatigue. That raises another concern: will he be ready for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers?

Inter Miami thrives without Messi, but for how long?

In the last two matches, Inter Miami has proven that it doesn't rely solely on Messi. They crushed Houston Dynamo 4-1 away and defeated Cavalier FC 2-0 in Concachampions.

The name that stood out during this time? Telasco Segovia. The 21-year-old Venezuelan midfielder has been the creative force behind the team, netting three goals and registering one assist in the first two games of the season. If he scores against Charlotte FC, he'll join an elite list of young players who have scored in their team's first three games of an MLS season.

Beyond Segovia, Luis Suárez has also shown he's got plenty left to offer. The Uruguayan striker has been delivering, scoring and assisting, stepping up as a leader in Messi's absence. But even with the positive performances, the question remains: can Inter Miami keep winning without the greatest player of all time?

Messi's injury, rest or precaution?

Messi's absence in the last two matches hasn't gone unnoticed. Head coach Javier Mascherano was asked about the same and gave a rather cryptic explanation.

"The doctors told me that he has no injury or scar tissue. He's exhausted after playing three games in six days. We want to look after him and don't want him to be exhausted."

This assertion created more questions than answers. If Messi is not injured, why did he not fly with the team? If he is merely being rested, what does that say about his availability with Argentina?

Argentina's interest is real. With the South American World Cup qualifiers looming, head coach Lionel Scaloni has already included Messi in the preliminary squad. But his participation in the coming matches against Uruguay (March 21) and Brazil (March 25) remains uncertain.

When asked if he would go as far as inviting Messi to stay in the U.S. and skip the qualifiers, Mascherano was insistent: "I would never dream of doing that for any player. I played 15 years with Argentina, and I know what it is to play with that shirt. He'll play when he wants to, here or with the national team."

Ultimately, the decision will be Messi’s. But if he truly needs more recovery time, should he risk playing these crucial qualifiers?

For now, the only certainty is that Inter Miami needs Messi to compete at the top of MLS. Until he returns, it’s up to Segovia, Suárez, and company to keep the team on the winning path.

Can Charlotte FC challenge Inter Miami?

While Inter Miami has been doing splendidly without Messi, Charlotte FC should not be underestimated. The North Carolina-based team defeated Atlanta United 2-0 at the weekend and has players capable of giving headaches to Mascherano's defense.

The greatest threats? Recently signed winger Wilfried Zaha, who has already scored in the win against Atlanta, and midfielder Pep Biel, who has one goal and one assist in the ongoing campaign.

Historically, Inter Miami has dominated this rivalry with three wins, two draws, and two defeats against Charlotte FC. The last meeting, though, was a 1-1 draw.

If Charlotte can capitalize on the absence of Messi and manage to stop Segovia and Suárez, they could very well leave South Florida with a good result.