Inter Miami will face Charlotte without key defenders for MLS season finale

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will conclude the 2026 MLS regular season without some of its young defenders. The Herons will host Charlotte FC on Saturday at Nu Stadium in the final match before the playoffs, and the injury roster has expanded.

According to Inter Miami insider José Armando, Fricio Caicedo and César Abadía are confirmed to be unavailable for the match. The 18‑year‑old Ecuadorian defender, on loan, is nursing a knee issue, while the reason for Abadía’s absence has not been disclosed.

They join two other players who will miss the remainder of the campaign. Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti have been ruled out for the rest of the season. The former Celta Vigo forward underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Barcelona and is listed with a season‑ending injury on the club’s website.

On the other hand, the former Newell’s Old Boys forward—who recorded three goals and four assists in 14 MLS matches before being injured—underwent surgery on his left shoulder after dislocating it, and the club said he will now focus on his recovery ahead of next season.

Despite these roster gaps, coach Kily González otherwise has a relatively healthy squad. The team has already secured its place in the postseason, with second place in the Eastern Conference still at stake. Lionel Messi, who has accumulated 26 goals—four ahead of Petar Musa—will attempt to claim his second consecutive Golden Boot.

Inter Miami’s possible playoff rivals

Inter Miami will finish the regular season either second or third in the Eastern Conference. The Herons currently sit in second place with 59 points, one more than the New England Revolution, who host Orlando City while Miami faces Charlotte. A victory over Charlotte secures second place, while a draw would suffice unless New England wins.

If Miami ends the season in second place, it will meet the seventh seed in the opening round. Currently, that spot belongs to FC Cincinnati, which has 46 points and plays Nashville SC, but Philadelphia Union (47), Columbus Crew (44) and Orlando City (43) are all contending for the final direct‑qualification spot, meaning the opponent could shift.

Should Miami finish third, it will face the sixth seed, currently Philadelphia Union with 47 points and a home match against Toronto FC. Cincinnati and Columbus could also rise to that position, so Miami’s opponent will not be known until all matches conclude simultaneously on Saturday.

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