Suárez Shines as Inter Miami Draws Charlotte FC

Uruguayan striker puts on a show despite Messi's absence in scoreless match.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:35am

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In a scoreless draw between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC, veteran striker Luis Suárez delivered a standout performance, contributing to all four of Miami's shot attempts in the first 25 minutes and nearly connecting with 19-year-old Santiago Morales in the final third. Suárez's energy and intensity matched that of the opponent, and he played through the second half with equal vigor, nearly breaking the deadlock on several occasions. The 39-year-old's compelling 90-minute display may prompt manager Javier Mascherano to reconsider his lineup priorities, especially with Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul left at home.

Why it matters

Suárez's performance highlights his continued importance to Inter Miami, even as the team's marquee signing Lionel Messi was absent. The match also showcased the physical and competitive nature of MLS, with a total of 28 fouls, five yellow cards, and one red card issued. Mascherano's forced exit for an altercation with the referee added to the drama of the evening.

The details

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano exercised heavy rotation to his lineup, benching new $15 million transfer Germán Berterame and leaving Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul at home. This decision allowed veteran striker Luis Suárez to make his first start of the season, and the Uruguayan legend capitalized on the opportunity. Suárez contributed to all four of Miami's shot attempts in the first 25 minutes, showcasing his explosiveness and energy in the box. He nearly connected with 19-year-old Santiago Morales on two occasions in the final third of the first half, and continued to play with equal intensity through the second half, nearly breaking the deadlock on several occasions.

  • The match took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Inter Miami face Nashville SC on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16.

The players

Luis Suárez

A 39-year-old Uruguayan striker who is Inter Miami's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 national team appearances.

Javier Mascherano

The manager of Inter Miami who was forced to leave the field after receiving a red card for an altercation with the referee in stoppage time.

Lionel Messi

The Argentine legend who was left at home by Mascherano and did not feature in the match against Charlotte FC.

Rodrigo De Paul

The Argentine midfielder who was also left at home by Mascherano and did not feature in the match against Charlotte FC.

Santiago Morales

A 19-year-old player for Inter Miami who connected with Suárez on two occasions in the final third of the first half.

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What’s next

Inter Miami face Nashville SC on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16. Any win would send the team to the quarterfinals, and a goal from Messi would hit a historic mark of 900 for his career.

The takeaway

Suárez's standout performance in the absence of Messi showcases his continued importance to Inter Miami, and may prompt the team's manager to reconsider his lineup priorities going forward. The physical and competitive nature of the match also highlights the intensity of MLS play.