Lionel Messi scores but Inter Miami held as rivals secure playoff spots
Lionel Messi (37) scored the equalizer as a struggling Inter Miami settled for a 1-1 draw at home against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday. In other matches, the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City, LAFC, and Orlando City all secured their playoff berths.
Despite experiencing a third consecutive draw, Miami—already guaranteed a playoff spot—remains at the top of both the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield regular season standings.
Charlotte, managed by former Aston Villa coach Dean Smith, took the lead in the 57th minute when Brandt Bronico's low shot deflected off Karol Swiderski, eluding Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.
This goal injected urgency into Miami's play, leading Jordi Alba to connect with his former Barcelona teammate Messi through a cross from the left. However, Messi's header went directly to goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
The Croatian goalkeeper subsequently denied a shot from Messi taken from the edge of the box. Shortly thereafter, Messi created just enough space outside the area to unleash a left-footed drive into the bottom corner, marking his 15th goal in as many games this season.
In the 77th minute, Miami believed they had earned a penalty when Diego Gomez fell under a challenge from Charlotte's French defender Adilson Malanda, prompting referee Ramy Touchan to point to the spot. Malanda received a second yellow card, but VAR intervened, determining he had played the ball.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Miami had a golden opportunity to secure all three points when Alba headed the ball across the goal, but Luis Suarez, under pressure from Kahlina, shot over the bar from close range.
Miami currently holds 65 points with three matches left to play, while champions Columbus Crew have 57 points and Cincinnati has 56 in the Eastern Conference.
Miami can secure the Supporters' Shield with either a victory or a draw against Columbus on Wednesday, and head coach Gerardo Martino emphasized that any frustration stemming from yet another draw should be viewed in context.
The speaker remarked, "We were a team that consistently faced defeat for many years, and now we have transformed into a team that consistently achieves victory, which elevates expectations."
"We have exerted considerable effort to alter the perception of this team, and we have accomplished this despite having to utilize various line-ups due to injuries and national team commitments."
"Indeed, we are disappointed with three consecutive draws... however, it is important to note that we had opportunities to secure wins," he continued.
In the 'Hudson River derby', New York City achieved a commanding 5-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, with Alonso Martinez scoring twice as the visitors led 4-1 at halftime.
This victory ensured NYCFC's advancement to the playoffs, while other results allowed the Red Bulls to also secure a spot in the post-season.
Orlando City is also in contention for a shot at the MLS Cup following a commendable 3-1 victory against FC Dallas, and LAFC, who were defeated by Columbus in last year's final, secured their playoff position with a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati.
Results from other matches confirmed that Seattle and Houston had already secured their places in the post-season even before their game later on Saturday.
SportsLigue