Messi scores but Miami held as rivals secure playoff spots
Lionel Messi once again found the back of the net, but Inter Miami were held to a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Despite their third consecutive draw, Miami remains top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings, already assured of a spot in the playoffs.
The match at Miami’s Chase Stadium saw Charlotte, coached by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, take the lead in the 57th minute. A low shot from Brandt Bronico, deflected off teammate Karol Swiderski, found its way past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. The goal came somewhat against the run of play, as Miami had dominated possession and created several chances early on.
Miami, however, responded with urgency after going down. Former Barcelona star Jordi Alba sent in a cross from the left, finding Messi in the box, but the Argentine’s header was straight at Charlotte’s Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Moments later, Messi tried again from outside the box, curling a left-footed drive into the bottom corner, leveling the score with his 15th goal in as many games this season.
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Miami almost took the lead in the 77th minute when Diego Gomez appeared to have won a penalty after a challenge by Charlotte’s French defender Adilson Malanda. However, Malanda’s second yellow card and the penalty were both overturned after a VAR review, as replays showed he had played the ball.
Deep into stoppage time, Miami had a glorious opportunity to grab the win when Jordi Alba headed across goal. Luis Suarez, under pressure from Kahlina, shot over the bar from just a yard out, leaving Miami frustrated at missing out on all three points.
Despite the draw, Miami remains top of the East with 65 points and three games left to play. Their nearest rivals, Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, trail by 8 and 9 points respectively. Miami can clinch the Supporters’ Shield—awarded to the MLS team with the best regular season record—with a win or draw in their next match against Columbus on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York City FC, LAFC, and Orlando City all secured their playoff spots on Saturday. Despite their 5-1 defeat to NYCFC in the ‘Hudson River derby,’ the New York Red Bulls also sealed a place in the postseason due to other results.
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino urged his team to keep their frustration in perspective, highlighting the progress they have made. “We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now we are a team that habitually wins, and that raises expectations,” he said in his post-match comments. “Yes, we are frustrated with three draws in a row… but it’s not like we did not have chances to win.”
Martino also praised the squad’s resilience despite being forced to shuffle line-ups due to injuries and international call-ups. He added that they remain focused on their goals with the postseason looming, and their next task is to secure the Supporters’ Shield.
As MLS enters its crucial final stages, Messi and Miami look to carry their momentum into the playoffs, where they will aim to crown their season with the ultimate prize.
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