Charlotte FC will host reigning MLS champions Inter Miami CF at Bank of America Stadium in a key Eastern Conference clash. The match pits two contenders against each other, with Inter Miami holding a slight edge in the standings. Both teams enter on positive notes after recent victories.
Charlotte FC, under manager Dean Smith, sits seventh in the Eastern Conference following a 3-1 win over Austin FC last weekend. In that match, Spanish midfielder Pep Biel scored a brace, highlighting the team's attacking potential. The side aims to leverage its strong home form, having secured four clean sheets in their previous six regular-season home games.
Inter Miami CF arrives as the defending MLS champions, having defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the 2025 final. Currently third in the conference, two points ahead of Charlotte, they notched a 2-1 victory against D.C. United last weekend with goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi. Messi, the team captain, has started the season strongly, netting three goals in three matches. However, the team faces challenges from a congested schedule, including a 0-0 draw against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg midweek.
In team news, Charlotte has a fully fit squad aside from new signing Henry Kessler, who has yet to debut. Inter Miami will miss defender Maxi Falcón due to injury, with Gonzalo Luján expected to replace him. Sergio Reguilón, a former Tottenham player, could return after a pre-season knee issue.
Predicted line-ups include for Charlotte: Kahlina; Byrne, Ream, Agyemang, Privett; Bronico, Westwood; Biel, Zaha, Toklomati; Barry. For Inter Miami: St. Clair; Mura, Luján, Micael, Allen; De Paul, Bright; Allende, Messi, Segovia; Berterame.
The game will be available live in the UK via Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription. Inter Miami remains unbeaten in their last seven March MLS matches, setting the stage for a competitive encounter.