Inter Miami could not score in Lionel Messi's absence as they drew 0-0 with Charlotte FC.

The reigning MLS Cup champions were without their talisman, whose next goal will mark the 900th of his glittering career, for Saturday's trip to the Bank of America Stadium.

And they could not find a way through a stern Charlotte defence.

Luis Suarez squandered two early chances, while Kristijan Kahlina kept out an effort from Ian Fray.

Wilfried Zaha had Charlotte's best chance, but the former Crystal Palace attacker was denied by Rocco Rios Novo midway through the second half.

Elsewhere, San Diego FC saw their perfect start ended as they drew 3-3 with FC Dallas, with Petar Musa netting a hat-trick – his equaliser coming in the 95th minute.

Mateusz Bogusz netted the winner in the 15th minute of second-half stoppage time as the Houston Dynamo edged out the Portland Timbers 3-2, while Orlando City claimed their first win of the season by beating CF Montreal 2-1.

Data Debrief: Miami fire blanks without Messi

Having returned from injury, Suarez was the man Miami were looking to in Messi's absence, but he was unable to get either of his two attempts on target, while he only won two of his five duels.

It was a tight contest, with both sides probably doing enough to score at least one each, as evidenced by Charlotte's 1.08 expected goals to Miami's 0.98 xG.

Nashville SC, meanwhile, beat the Columbus Crew 1-0, with Hany Mukhtar's goal being the 25,000th in MLS history.