Superstar Messi scores equaliser as Inter Miami holds Charlotte FC to 1-1 draw
In a closely contested game, Inter Miami CF came back from behind to win by a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC. The equalising goal was from Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF in the second half, and it came through on September 28, 2024. Charlotte FC took off flying into the second half when Karol Świderski added an early lead for Charlotte FC, but without the brilliance of Lionel Messi, the hosts salvaged a point, meaning the Inter Miami stood good in the fight for the playoffs.
The First Half: Contesting Midfield Game
Inter Miami approached the first half of the game nervously testing each other, not being able to find a way to break through one another. Inter Miami did take possession of the game 58% of the time while Charlotte sat back and waited for holes in the opening to counterattack.
Lionel Messi again was the burden of Miami’s attacks and many promising moves were schemed up by him as he moved in tandem well with Facundo Redondo and Leonardo Campana; however, Charlotte FC’s defense under Adilson Malanda proved solid in neutralizing the forward threats posed by Miami.
The shape that she had maintained, prevented Messi from even getting the necessary space in the danger area. Miami nearly had two terrific shots on Charlotte’s goal with Benjamin Cremaschi and Tomas Aviles but Kristijan Kahlina proved to be good enough for Charlotte to defend the attempts.
Miami was dominating the play at times but close attempts led the teams into the dressing room still scoreless at half time.
Second Half: Świderski Scores for Charlotte
Second half was much quicker, but Charlotte FC opened up more in their attacks. And it all paid off when Karol Świderski headed in his team’s first goal from an excellent cross from Brandt Bronico into the box in the 57th minute. Świderski from the far post found it at the back of Miami’s goalkeeper Drake Callender and to make it 1-0.
Świderski scored and wild celebrations erupted throughout the Charlotte fans. It seemed that there was no way back for Inter Miami into the game. Miami continued its relentless approach, but Charlotte’s defence remained rock-solid as they forced more shots from distance.
Messi worked magic in the 67th minute by levelling the score
And thus, Lionel Messi still continued to remind everyone why he is one of the greatest players to ever play. Ten minutes later after the Charlotte’s strike, Lionel Messi continued reminding everyone why he is one of the greatest players to ever play. And then came a great strike by the Argentine superstar on the 67th minute when he leveled the score off, finishing off Marcelo Weigandt’s well placed pass inside the box. As was usual, he needed only a touch of class and absolute composure to deserve the bottom corner, before then, to really thrash the Bulgarian goalkeeper, Kahlina.
Then came Messi to once again lift the whole team, and energy at DRV PNK Stadium came back alive. Miami fans were deafening in their excitement and renewed vigor, and their team reacted with waves of continued dangerous attacks as they stalked for that winner.
Tactical Substitutions and Intense Final Minutes
Both teams reacted to Miami’s equalizer by making strategic subtitutive changes in their lineups and went for all guns blazing for that elusive winning goal. Inter Miami channeled some fresher legs from the bench, with Ian Fray replacing Diego Gomez and Leonardo Campana replacing Redondo in quest for closing the gap with Messi’s tempo. Charlotte also brought some attacking changes by replacing Świderski with Patrick Agyemang and Junior Urso with Dominique Diani.
The match became congested, a series of rugged fouls brought the match into cautionary gestures as teams fought for control of the midfield, and the fall of Tomas Aviles for a non-too-rough tackle saw him carted off by a yellow card in the 82nd minute alongside the same for Malanda and Yordy Bright from Charlotte for an infringement.
No team could capitalize on several late game opportunities, one from Messi in the 88th minute that would have won this match for Barcelona as well, as the match ended 1-1.
Some other Important Stats: Miami dominated this match in possession
Possession-wise, Inter Miami dominated the game, holding the ball for 58% of the game whereas Charlotte managed just 42%. They also out-shot Charlotte by 9-2. However, for a good extent, Charlotte’s few chances were converted and their defensive play extremely solid that they had to make an escape with a valuable point.
Lionel Messi once more orchestrated the game, created numerous chances for Inter Miami to score, and even brought it level for his side. His interaction between Weigandt and Redondo was constantly threatening Charlotte’s defense until the end, but Charlotte was generally strong against most of what Miami had to offer.
Defensive Battles and Tactical Adjustments
Both sides indeed showed truly excellent defense measures to bring their course into the game. Charlotte FC’s defense was just superbly stemming Miami’s attacks. Adilson Malanda and Guzman Corujo brought out the positives among Charlotte’s bunch of players who intercepted crucial passes and won key duels in the air.
The Inter Miami defense, marshaled by Tomas Aviles and Yedlin, was good also, but Charlotte’s counterattacks earned them several good breaks. They were caught napping for Świderski’s goal, but that is where the heads go sometime in transition.
Conclusion: Messi Saves Miami, but Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
It’s going to feel like two points lost for Inter Miami, particularly when it comes to how many possession and shot opportunities they had created, but Lionel Messi’s equalizer is an enormous moment, although the issue that this team can’t quite capitalize on enough of those chances enough continues to serve as Miami’s boulder on its quest to reach the playoffs.
Charlotte FC will be satisfied first and foremost with their organization in defense and the fact that they play at Miami’s mercy. For that reason, they deservedly earned a valuable point away. Świderski’s goal made sure that for them.
With the regular season going into its final phases, both sides will view an opportunity to win some crucial points in the final rounds of matches to look for a playoff spot. For Inter Miami, with Messi on their side, they will once more count on him while the rest of the team should, at least, start showing up to help him if they want to make a good push for the postseason.
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