The truth behind Messi's unexpected absence as he approaches 900 goals

Lionel Messi surprisingly did not play in Inter Miami's draw with Charlotte FC, despite being just one goal away from reaching 900, leaving fans puzzled.

American fans were undoubtedly surprised when Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul were absent from the match between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer Round 4 on March 15. Before tens of thousands of spectators at Bank of America Stadium, Coach Javier Mascherano's team could only manage a 0-0 draw.

Messi's absence raised many questions about the Argentine superstar's condition, especially as he stands before a historic milestone. According to Spanish media, Messi is just one goal away from reaching 900 career goals, an achievement very few footballers in history have attained.

However, Coach Mascherano's decision is considered fully calculated. The Argentine strategist wants to preserve the fitness of key players for the more important CONCACAF Champions Cup objective. Notably, the away match against Charlotte took place on an artificial turf surface, a factor posing a higher potential injury risk to players.

Therefore, Mascherano decided to let Messi and De Paul rest at home, even though both had no fitness problems. The goal is to ensure they are in optimal condition for the Champions Cup Round of 16 home match against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium on March 19. Since the first leg ended 0-0, the rematch will decide who advances.

Without Messi and De Paul, Inter Miami still performed quite steadily thanks to the experience of Luis Suarez in attack and the return of defender Sergio Reguilon from injury. Although unable to score against Charlotte FC, the pink-shirted team maintained solid control to secure one point.

After 4 rounds in the 2026 MLS season, Inter Miami ranks third in the Eastern Conference table with 7 points, trailing the top two teams Nashville SC and New York City FC by only three points.

In the coming period, Inter Miami will enter a crucial phase of fixtures. After the Nashville match in the Champions Cup, Messi's team will continue as guests against New York City FC. In early April, they are scheduled to play their first MLS match at the new home stadium within the Miami Freedom Park complex when hosting Austin FC.