Bank of America Stadium has never been the easiest place to get a result, and for an Inter Miami side already navigating the early rhythms of a new MLS season, Sunday night's goalless draw against Charlotte FC offered another reminder of just how thin the margins are in the Eastern Conference.

Lionel Messi's absence from the starting eleven was the headline, and Gerardo Martino was unambiguous about his reasoning. "We wanted to manage his load," the Miami head coach said. "We know the schedule ahead and it was a decision made for the player's wellbeing." It was a precaution rather than a concern — but its effect on Miami's attacking output was impossible to ignore.

Without the Argentine, Miami fell into a familiar trap: plenty of possession, not enough penetration. Luis Suárez — himself 38 years old and increasingly used in rotation — led the line with his customary industry but found little space to work with against a Charlotte defensive block that was disciplined, compact, and keen to frustrate. Jordi Alba's late runs from left back offered the most consistent threat on the night, and it was from one of those overlapping bursts that Miami came closest, drawing a smart save from Kristijan Kahlina in the 67th minute.

Charlotte, for their part, were more than content to absorb and counter. Karol Świderski showed sharp movement in the first half that briefly troubled Miami's central defenders, but the American expansion side lacked the quality in the final third to truly test Drake Callender.

The 0-0 scoreline reflects the match honestly. Martino will not be overly alarmed — the priority now is ensuring Messi is fresh for what lies ahead — but the question of who carries Miami when their talisman doesn't play remains as relevant as ever. Two games in, the answer is still unclear.