Lionel Messi returned to the active roster on Sunday after missing back-to-back games, but he was not in the Inter Miami starting lineup against Charlotte FC. The Argentine captain began the game on the bench on a sunny afternoon at Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi sat out a second straight game for Inter Miami in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cavalier FC on Thursday at Chase Stadium.

Inter Miami's filled Designated Player slots effectively prevent further major signings this summer. Rumors linking the club with high-profile European players are now less likely to materialize, unless those players are willing to accept significantly lower wages.