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Major League Soccer: Lionel Messi Scores As Inter Miami Draws Charlotte FC
Lionel Messi grabbed the equalizer as a misfiring Inter Miami was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
Elsewhere, the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City, LAFC, and Orlando City all secured their places in the playoffs.
Despite experiencing a third consecutive draw, Miami, which has already secured a spot in the playoffs, still maintains its position at the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield regular season standings.
Charlotte, coached by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, took the lead in the 57th minute when a low shot from Brandt Bronico deflected off Karol Swiderski and beat Miami keeper Drake Callender.
The goal injected much-needed urgency into Miami’s play, and Jordi Alba connected with his former Barcelona teammate Messi with a cross from the left. However, the Argentine’s header went directly to goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
The Croatian keeper then did well to keep out a Messi drive from the edge of the box.
Moments later Messi, just outside the area, carved out just enough space for a shot and buried his left-foot drive into the bottom corner for his 15th goal of the this season.
Miami thought they had won a penalty in the 77th minute when Diego Gomez went down under a challenge from Charlotte’s French defender Adilson Malanda and referee Ramy Touchan pointed to the spot.
Malanda received a second yellow card but he and his team were saved by the VAR, who ruled he had played the ball.
Late in stoppage time, Miami had a golden opportunity to secure all three points when Alba headed the ball across the goal. However, under pressure from Kahlina, Luis Suarez shot over the bar from just a yard out.
Miami is on 65 points with three games remaining; champions Columbus Crew have 57, and Cincinnati has 56 in the East.
Miami can secure the Supporters’ Shield with either a win or a draw in their upcoming away match against Columbus on Wednesday. Head coach Gerardo Martino emphasized that any frustration with another draw should be kept in perspective.
“We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now, we are a team that habitually wins, and that raises expectations,” he said.
“We have worked very hard to change the perception of this team, and we’ve done it having to use many different line-ups due to injuries and national team duty.
“Yes, we are frustrated with three draws in a row… but it’s not like we did not have chances to win,” he added.
Other matches result
In the ‘Hudson River Derby,’ New York City secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, with Alonso Martinez scoring two goals. The visitors dominated the first half, leading 4-1 at the break.
The win secured NYCFC a place in the playoffs and other results meant the Red Bulls had the consolation of also getting into the post-season.
Orlando City is also in contention for the MLS Cup after a strong 3-1 victory over FC Dallas.
Meanwhile, LAFC, who were defeated by Columbus in last year’s final, secured their playoff spot with a 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati.
Results in other games meant that Seattle and Houston were sure of their place in the post-season even before their game later on Saturday.
