September 29, (THEWILL) – Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi scored an equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer early on Sunday. The result marked Miami’s third consecutive draw, despite maintaining their position at the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield standings.
Charlotte, led by former Aston Villa manager, Dean Smith, took the lead in the 57th minute through Karol Swiderski. Messi responded with his 15th goal in 15 games this season, firing a left-footed piledriver into the bottom corner from outside the box.
The match saw controversy when a penalty decision for Miami was overturned by VAR in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Luis Suarez missed a close-range opportunity to win the game for Miami.
Several teams, including Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, LAFC, and Orlando City, qualified for the playoffs. New York City FC defeated New York Red Bulls 5-1 in the Hudson River derby, with both teams advancing to the post-season.
Miami Coach Gerardo Martino acknowledged the team’s recent draws but emphasised the overall progress made. With three games remaining, Miami can clinch the Supporters’ Shield by avoiding defeat against Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
