Wilfried Zaha, a former EPL star playing in MLS and for Charlotte FC for the first time, scored an electrifying goal in the 54th minute as Charlotte FC beat Atlanta United, 2-0, in its 2025 home opener in front of a crowd of 51,

The former Premier League star left a poignant message on his Instagram story before facing off with Lionel Messi.

Wilfried Zaha was electric in his Charlotte FC debut last weekend, scoring and creating the opener in a 2-0 win over Atlanta United. The scary part, according to MLS Season Pass analyst Bradley Wright-Phillips?

The English Premier League veteran provided the offensive fireworks for Charlotte, which earned its first victory of the 2025 season.

Wilfried Zaha couldn’t have started his MLS tenure any better. Making his Charlotte FC debut in front of over 51,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium, he turned back the years, assisting Liel Abada for the club’s first home goal of 2025 before slotting home a goal on his debut.

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Charlotte FC supporters reminded the rest of MLS just how large, loud and proud their fanbase is on Saturday afternoon, as a spirited crowd of 51,002 packed sunny Bank of America Stadium for their 2025 home opener,

Charlotte FC knocked off Atlanta United 2–0 to open MLS action in Matchday 2 including a debut goal from Wilfried Zaha.

Tadeo Allende scored 17 seconds into the second half and Inter Miami won its third straight match without Lionel Messi, beating Charlotte FC 1-0.

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.

Wilfried Zaha was electric in his Charlotte FC debut last weekend, scoring and creating the opener in a 2-0 win over Atlanta United.