After a breakout season with Portland Hearts of Pine, Nathan Messer is returning to the USL Championship.
According to Backheeled's Joe Lowery, Messer has been moved to the Charleston Battery.
Source: Charleston Battery have acquired Nathan Messer from Portland Hearts of Pine in a permanent transfer 🤝 Messer had 6 goals + 5 assists in 2025 and finished second among fullbacks in USL League One in xG+xA Yet another League One to Championship move in the USL offseason.
— Joseph Lowery (@joeclowery.bsky.social) 2026-02-02T14:03:54.278Z
The move comes at a poor time for Portland who will now have to scramble to find a replacement. The return of Jaden Jones-Riley and Mo Mohamed, as well as the additions of Zion Scarlett and Esteban Espinosa will soften the blow of Messer's departure.
Messer will now look to show he can compete at a higher level. He previously played in the Championship with Rhode Island FC but struggled to get on the field.
