Miami 1-1 Charlotte (September 28, 2024) Match Analysis

Lionel Messi scored a second-half equalizer and Inter Miami earned a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Miami (19-4-8, 65 points) tied for the third straight season after a five-game winning streak from July 17 through September. 14.

Charlotte (11-11-9, 42 points) was denied two wins in a row, which would have been the club's first winning streak since mid-June. However, Charlotte FC is undefeated in its last two games after being eliminated for three games.

Messi tied the game on Saturday in the 67th minute when he fired a shot from outside the box that evaded diving Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina and made it 1-1.

It was Messi's 15th goal of the season and he is now two points behind Luis Suarez at the top of the table. It was also Messi's third goal in four games since his return from a two-month layoff due to an ankle injury.

Miami then appeared to win a penalty in the 75th minute as it tried to take the lead, but the decision – and the subsequent second yellow card for Charlotte FC's Adilson Malanda – was overturned after further review.

Moments later, Charlotte appeared to take a 2-1 lead, but Liel Abada was ruled offside in advance.

Messi's goal canceled out a Charlotte goal in the 57th minute. A pass from Brandt Bronico into the penalty area was directed into the net by Karol Swiderski for his third goal of the season and the 1-0 lead.

Kahlina made seven saves, including several crucial ones in the second half, to keep Charlotte in the game.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender only faced two of Charlotte FC's shots and saved one, meaning both teams ended the night with a point despite vivid chances in second-half stoppage time.

Nathan Byrne had Charlotte's other assist. Marcelo Weigandt and Sergio Busquets were credited with assists on Messi's goal.

–Field level media