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Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC: High Stakes Showdown as Playoff Race Heats Up
Sep
Major League Soccer returns from the international break with a captivating clash as Inter Miami welcomes a red-hot Charlotte FC to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night. While Miami boasts a roster brimming with global superstars, they enter this encounter as the underdogs against a Charlotte side riding an astonishing eight-match winning streak—the second-longest in MLS history outside of the shootout era.
This match marks the beginning of a crucial stretch run to the MLS Cup Playoffs. For Charlotte, a victory could see them clinch a postseason berth and even climb as high as second in the Eastern Conference. For the Herons, it’s an opportunity to gain vital ground in the first of their nine remaining matches.
Match Details
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Stadium: Chase Stadium
- Date: Saturday, September 12
- Kick-Off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Inter Miami has held the edge in this fixture, but Charlotte’s recent form suggests a shift in momentum.
- Inter Miami Wins: 5
- Charlotte FC Wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- Last Meeting: Inter Miami 1–0 Charlotte FC (March 9, 2025)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Charlotte FC’s blistering form stands in stark contrast to Inter Miami’s more mixed recent results, although Miami’s schedule has been significantly more congested.
| Inter Miami | Charlotte FC |
|---|---|
| Seattle Sounders 0–3 Inter Miami – 8/31/25 | New England Revolution 1–2 Charlotte FC – 8/30/25 |
| Inter Miami 3–1 Orlando City – 8/27/25 | Charlotte FC 1–0 New York Red Bulls – 8/23/25 |
| D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami – 8/23/25 | Charlotte FC 1–0 Real Salt Lake – 8/16/25 |
| Inter Miami 2–1 Tigres UANL – 8/20/25 | FC Cincinnati 0–1 Charlotte FC – 8/9/25 |
| Inter Miami 3–1 LA Galaxy – 8/16/25 | Charlotte FC 2–0 Toronto FC – 7/25/25 |
How to Watch
Fans across the United States can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Inter Miami Team News: Messi’s Return, Key Absences
Inter Miami may currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference on points, but their third-place standing in points-per-game offers a more accurate reflection of their true position. This discrepancy is due to several fixtures being postponed to accommodate their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup.
The Herons will be without two key attacking figures. Star striker Luis Suárez is suspended following a spitting incident in the Leagues Cup Final, while Fafa Picault remains sidelined with a foot injury sustained while playing for Haiti.
However, the good news for Miami fans is the return of their talisman, Lionel Messi, after World Cup qualifying duties with Argentina. He will be joined by fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul, along with midfield maestro Sergio Busquets and left-back Jordi Alba, all of whom avoided suspensions despite their involvement in a Leagues Cup scuffle.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Charlotte FC (4-2-3-1):
Ustari; Weigandt, Luján, Falcón, Alba; Busquets, De Paul; Rodriguez, Messi, Segovia; Allende
Charlotte FC Team News: Chasing History and Playoff Glory
History beckons for Charlotte FC as they travel to Miami. After a mid-summer dip, head coach Dean Smith’s side has found an incredible vein of form, winning eight straight games and remaining undefeated since a victory over New York City FC on June 12.
A win on Saturday would see them tie the 2018 Seattle Sounders with nine consecutive victories, marking the longest MLS win streak outside of the shootout era. All eyes will be on breakout striker Idan Toklomati, who has seamlessly stepped into the leading role since the club sold USMNT player Patrick Agyemang to Derby County in the English Championship. This season, the Israel international boasts an impressive eight goals and four assists, forming a potent partnership with winger Wilfried Zaha, who has contributed seven goals and nine assists.
The Crown could clinch a spot in the postseason with a win and potentially rise as high as second in the Eastern Conference standings, securing a top-four spot and home-field advantage in the first-round best-of-three series.
While the news is mostly positive for Smith’s squad, they will be without midfielder Pep Biel, whose 10 goals and 12 assists will be missed as he recovers from a hamstring injury. However, they are expected to welcome back USMNT center-back Tim Ream and CanMNT fullback Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty from international duty.
Charlotte FC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-3-3):
Kahlina; Byrne, Ream, Malanda, Marshall-Rutty; Westwood, Williamson, Bronico; Zaha, Toklomati, Vargas
Score Prediction
Inter Miami will be eager to bounce back quickly after their heartbreaking Leagues Cup final loss in Seattle. However, securing a win against one of the most in-form teams in MLS will be an incredibly difficult task. Miami’s recent defensive lapses and the absence of a natural striker like Suárez could prove costly against a clinical Charlotte side.
Score Prediction: Inter Miami 1–3 Charlotte FC
