Hearts of Pine star Nathan Messer joins Charleston Battery

The 23-year-old fullback is moving up to the USL Championship after a standout season with the Portland Hearts of Pine.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Nathan Messer, a 23-year-old fullback who had a standout season with the Portland Hearts of Pine, is moving up to the USL Championship to play for the Charleston Battery.

Why it matters

Messer's move from the lower-division Hearts of Pine to the USL Championship's Charleston Battery represents an opportunity for the young player to showcase his skills at a higher level of professional soccer.

The details

After a strong performance with the Portland Hearts of Pine, Messer has signed with the Charleston Battery, a USL Championship club. The USL Championship is the second tier of American soccer, below Major League Soccer.

  • Messer played the 2025 season with the Portland Hearts of Pine.
  • Messer signed with the Charleston Battery in February 2026.

The players

Nathan Messer

A 23-year-old fullback who had a standout season with the Portland Hearts of Pine.

Charleston Battery

A USL Championship club, which is the second tier of American soccer, below Major League Soccer.

Portland Hearts of Pine

The lower-division club where Messer played in the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited for the opportunity to play at a higher level with the Charleston Battery. It's a chance to test myself against tougher competition and continue developing my skills.”

— Nathan Messer

What’s next

Messer is expected to join the Charleston Battery for their preseason training camp in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Messer's move from the Portland Hearts of Pine to the Charleston Battery represents a promising step forward in his professional soccer career, as he looks to showcase his talents at a higher level of competition.