The last time both teams met, it ended in a defeat for Charlotte FC as they suffered a 4-0 blow against Lionel Messi and Co. in Inter Miami. It was a match for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. But it is still not clear if Messi will be able to play for Inter Miami’s match against Charlotte FC to be held on 18 Oct. Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Facundo Farias traveled to Buenos Aires on Sunday to join the Argentine national team as they prepare for a couple of World Cup qualifier games, one of which is against Peru on 17 Oct, one day before Inter Miami’s game.  Peru 0-2 Argentina, CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Lionel Messi Scores Brace As La Albiceleste Continue Their Domination

Will Lionel Messi play today Inter Miami vs Charlotte, MLS 2023 Match? 

It is unlikely that Messi will be available for the game of Inter Miami as he plays in Peru for the national team. It will not be possible for him to return this soon and play at DRV PNK Stadium. Nonetheless, Messi will be available to play in Inter Miami’s season final on 21 Oct, but his fitness at that point remains unknown.

The 36-year-old is still recovering from an upper leg injury, Messi has already missed the last five of six Miami matches. Messi may not take a risk with November World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil respectively. A total of 12 team members left for the national team duty for Inter Miami including Messi during this FIFA window. After all that, it remains to be seen whether Messi will play for Inter Miami again this season or he will come back directly for the new season.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2023 02:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).