Inter Miami will take on Charlotte FC in MLS this weekend as they aim to continue their unbeaten start to the 2025 season.
Two unbeaten sides in the Eastern Conference clash at Chase Stadium on Sunday as Inter Miami host Charlotte FC in what promises to be an intriguing early-season showdown in Major League Soccer. Both teams have made strong starts to the 2025 campaign, setting up an exciting battle for positioning in the league standings.
Inter Miami have begun the 2025 MLS season on a positive note, avoiding defeat in their opening two matches while scoring six goals in the process. Their most recent outing saw them secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Houston Dynamo, bringing them level on points with Charlotte in third place in the Eastern Conference.
The Herons have a chance to remain unbeaten in their first three MLS games for the second consecutive season, having collected seven points from their first three matches in 2024. However, new head coach Javier Mascherano is still searching for his first domestic home victory, as Miami’s two wins at Chase Stadium this season have come in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they comfortably dispatched Sporting Kansas City (3-1) and Cavalier (2-0).
Miami have made Fort Lauderdale a fortress, remaining unbeaten in their last nine MLS home matches and winning seven of their last eight regular-season games at Chase Stadium. They have also never lost a competitive home match to Charlotte, with their last victory over them at this venue coming in the 2023 Leagues Cup quarter-finals (4-0).
Charlotte FC have carried their strong end to 2024 into the new season, securing back-to-back positive results, including a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United last weekend. Dean Smith’s side is now unbeaten in seven consecutive regular-season matches, winning five of those encounters.
Since their MLS debut in 2022, Charlotte have never gone unbeaten in their first three league matches of a season. However, they have a chance to achieve that milestone on Sunday. Their away form has been impressive, as they remain unbeaten in their last three MLS road matches, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the Seattle Sounders on opening weekend.
A key stat working in Charlotte’s favor is their record when scoring multiple goals. They have not lost an MLS match in which they scored at least two goals since June 2023, when they suffered a 4-2 defeat to the Columbus Crew. However, they have historically struggled in Florida, claiming just one road victory against a Florida-based side in MLS history, a 2-1 win over Orlando City in March 2023. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Miami
Inter Miami will be without Ian Fray, who is serving a red card suspension, but they will be boosted by the return of Tomas Aviles, who is now eligible to play after serving his own suspension. Meanwhile, club captain Lionel Messi was rested for the Houston Dynamo match as well as Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup fixture but is expected to return to the starting lineup on Sunday.
The Herons have also had to manage injury concerns, with Marcelo Weigandt and Fafa Picault both sidelined in their previous match due to hamstring injuries. It remains to be seen whether they will recover in time for this clash against Charlotte FC.
In their 4-1 victory over Houston, Luis Suarez was instrumental, scoring a goal and registering three assists. He provided the setup for Telasco Segovia’s brace and Tadeo Allende’s first-half strike, proving his ability to dictate play in the final third. With Messi set to return, Miami will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the 2025 MLS season.
Inter Miami are expected to set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Oscar Ustari starting in goal. The backline will feature Maximiliano Falcon at right-back, with Tomas Aviles and Noah Allen forming the central defensive partnership, while Jordi Alba operates as the left-back.
In midfield, Telasco Segovia and Sergio Busquets will provide the defensive stability and control, with Federico Redondo and David Ruiz offering width in the wide midfield roles.
Leading the attack will be Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, a formidable duo capable of breaking down any defence. Messi’s vision and playmaking combined with Suarez’s clinical finishing make them the biggest threats in Miami’s attack, with their chemistry set to play a crucial role in this fixture.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Ustari; Falcon, Aviles, Allen, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Segovia, Ruiz; Messi, Suarez
Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC will once again be without Jahlane Forbes and Brandon Cambridge, as both players continue to recover from thigh injuries. Additionally, Nimfasha Berchimas remains sidelined due to a sore foot, limiting head coach Dean Smith’s options in attack.
In their previous match against Atlanta United, Smith opted for two changes to his starting lineup, introducing Wilfried Zaha and Brandt Bronico in place of Eryk Williamson and Kerwin Vargas. Zaha, in particular, offers a major attacking boost, providing speed, dribbling ability, and creativity in the final third.
Charlotte FC are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Kristijan Kahlina continuing as the first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive backline will consist of Nathan Byrne at right-back, while Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett form the centre-back pairing. Tim Ream, with his experience and composure, will feature at left-back.
In midfield, Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha will operate as wide midfielders, bringing pace and attacking threat down the flanks. Ashley Westwood and Eryk Williamson will control the central midfield, dictating play and providing defensive stability.
Up front, Pep Biel and Patrick Agyemang will lead the line, looking to exploit gaps in Miami’s defence and capitalise on scoring opportunities. Their ability to press high and link up with Zaha and Abada on the wings will be crucial in breaking down Miami’s defensive setup.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Ream; Abada, Westwood, Williamson, Zaha; Biel, Agyemang
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
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The Herons have dominated this fixture at Chase Stadium, with their most notable victory coming in the 2023 Leagues Cup quarter-finals (4-0).
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The Herons have turned Fort Lauderdale into a fortress, winning seven of their last eight regular-season home games. They have not dropped points in consecutive home league matches since matchday 17 and 18 of the 2024 season.
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The Crown have shown resilience on the road, including a 2-2 comeback draw against the Seattle Sounders on opening day. They will be looking to extend that streak against Miami.
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Since joining the league in 2022, Charlotte have never managed to avoid defeat in their opening three fixtures. A result on Sunday would mark a first in club history.
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The last time Charlotte lost a game despite scoring twice was in a 4-2 defeat to the Columbus Crew. If they manage to break through Miami’s defence and score more than once, history suggests they will be tough to beat.
Player to Watch
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez has already made his presence felt in the 2025 MLS season, proving that age is just a number with his clinical finishing and playmaking ability. The Uruguayan striker was at the heart of Miami’s 4-1 victory over Houston Dynamo, scoring once while providing three assists, showcasing his all-round attacking prowess.
Suarez’s movement, intelligence, and ability to create chances for teammates make him a constant threat in the final third. His chemistry with Lionel Messi is well-documented from their Barcelona days, and with Lionel Messi set to return to the starting lineup, the pair will look to exploit any weaknesses in Charlotte FC’s backline.
Beyond his goalscoring instincts, Suarez brings an unmatched winning mentality and leadership to the squad. His experience in high-pressure matches will be invaluable, particularly as Inter Miami look to continue their dominant home form and extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Against a Charlotte FC defence that has shown vulnerability on the road, Suarez’s ability to hold up play, link with his midfield, and finish in tight spaces could be the key difference-maker in this clash. Expect him to be at the centre of Inter Miami’s attacking movements once again.
Prediction
Inter Miami 2-1 Charlotte FC
Inter Miami’s dominant home record and attacking firepower make them favorites, but Charlotte FC’s resilience and recent unbeaten run suggest they won’t be easy to break down. Javier Mascherano’s men will look to impose themselves early, while Charlotte may opt for a compact, counter-attacking approach. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Mascherano and his charges.
