Category: Football, Sports

Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Thrilling Draw as Lionel Messi Strikes

Lionel Messi Scores as Inter Miami Held to a Draw by Charlotte FC

Lionel Messi’s crucial equaliser secured a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami against Charlotte FC in their Major League Soccer clash on Saturday. Despite this being Miami’s third consecutive draw, the team remains at the top of both the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings, having already confirmed their place in the playoffs.

Elsewhere, several MLS teams secured their playoff spots, including the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, LAFC, and Orlando City, highlighting a thrilling race to the postseason.

Charlotte’s Lead and Messi’s Response

Charlotte FC, led by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, took the lead in the 57th minute. A low shot from Brandt Bronico deflected off Karol Swiderski, finding its way past Inter Miami keeper Drake Callender. This setback sparked urgency in Miami’s play.

Jordi Alba almost instantly responded by setting up his former Barcelona teammate, Messi. Alba delivered a cross from the left, but Messi’s header was denied by Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Moments later, Kahlina again saved a Messi strike from the edge of the box.

Not to be deterred, Messi, positioned just outside the area, found enough space to fire a shot that buried itself into the bottom corner, leveling the score and marking his 15th goal in as many games this season.

VAR Drama and Late Missed Opportunities

Miami thought they had been awarded a penalty in the 77th minute when Diego Gomez was brought down by Charlotte’s French defender Adilson Malanda. Referee Ramy Touchan pointed to the spot, and Malanda received his second yellow card. However, VAR intervened, ruling that Malanda had played the ball, cancelling the penalty.

In stoppage time, Miami had a golden opportunity to claim all three points. Jordi Alba headed across goal, but Luis Suarez, under pressure from Kahlina, fired the ball over from just a yard out.

Supporters' Shield Hopes and Martino's Perspective

Inter Miami, currently sitting on 65 points with three games remaining, can clinch the Supporters’ Shield with a win or draw away to Columbus on Wednesday. Head coach Gerardo Martino emphasized that while the three consecutive draws were frustrating, they were still a positive step for a team that used to struggle for wins.

“We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now we are a team that habitually wins, and that raises expectations,” Martino said. “We’ve worked very hard to change the perception of this team, despite using various line-ups due to injuries and international duty.”

He added, “Yes, we are frustrated with three draws in a row, but it’s not like we didn’t have chances to win.”

Other Key MLS Matches and Playoff Spots

In the ‘Hudson River Derby’, New York City FC triumphed with a commanding 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, with Alonso Martinez scoring twice as NYCFC led 4-1 at halftime. The win secured NYCFC a place in the playoffs, while the Red Bulls also clinched a post-season spot thanks to other results.

Orlando City solidified their playoff hopes with an impressive 3-1 win at FC Dallas. Meanwhile, LAFC, who were beaten by Columbus in last year’s final, secured their playoff position with a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati.

Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo were guaranteed a playoff place even before their match later in the day, due to other favorable outcomes.