In Major League Soccer on Saturday, Lionel Messi scored the equalizer to hold an inept Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw at home against Charlotte FC.
Miami, which is already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, is still leading the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield regular season standings despite the setback of their third consecutive tie.
Under the direction of former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, Charlotte took the lead in the 57th minute when Brandt Bronico’s low strike beat Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender after deflecting off Karol Swiderski.
The goal gave Miami’s attack the much-needed impetus. Jordi Alba crossed the ball to former Barcelona teammate Messi from the left, but the Argentinean’s header went straight at goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
The Croatian keeper then did well to keep out a Messi drive from the edge of the box as Inter pushed for a leveller.
Moments later that goal came when 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 in as many games this season.
Miami thought the game had turned decisively in their direction in the 77th minute when Diego Gomez went down under challenge from Charlotte’s French defender Adilson Malanda and referee Ramy Touchan pointed to the spot.
Malanda had already been booked and so the second yellow card saw him dismissed but he — and his team — were saved by a VAR review which correctly ruled that he had played the ball.
Both teams had opportunities as Miami pushed forward in search of the victory and Charlotte made a counterattack threat.
However, in the midst of stoppage time, Miami had a fantastic opportunity to win all three points when Messi floated a cross to Alba, who headed across the goal. However, Luis Suarez, under pressure from Kahlina, missed the mark from a yard away.
With three games left in the regular season, Miami leads the league with 65 points. Champions Cincinnati has 56, and Columbus Crew has 57.
On Wednesday, Miami can secure the Supporters’ Shield by defeating Columbus or drawing with them away.
