Inter Miami beat Charlotte 1-0 despite a red card and Messi's absence. A Suárez-Allende goal secured the win, while Charlotte's superior possession yielded few chances. Messi's return remains uncertain.


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Inter Miami Edges Charlotte FC 1-0: Messi Watches From the Bench

In a thrilling Major League Soccer (MLS) match, Inter Miami CF secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC on Sunday, despite playing a man down for over half the game. The victory, however, came at the cost of Lionel Messi's continued absence from the field, leaving fans yearning for a glimpse of the superstar.

A Red Card and a Resolute Defense

The match took a dramatic turn in the 38th minute when Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari received a straight red card for a foul outside the box on Charlotte's Wilfried Zaha. This left Inter Miami to defend a one-goal lead with only ten men for the remainder of the game. Despite Charlotte's increased possession and attacking efforts – particularly from Zaha and Liel Abada – Miami’s defense, led by strong performances from Noah Allen and Tomás Avilés, stood firm.

Suárez and Allende Combine for the Winner

The lone goal arrived just seconds into the second half. A brilliant one-two between Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende resulted in Allende’s decisive finish, a perfectly placed shot to secure the three points. The goal showcased the attacking prowess of Inter Miami, even amidst the defensive challenges posed by the red card.

Messi's Absence and Mascherano's Explanation

Lionel Messi, sidelined for the third consecutive match, remained an unused substitute. Coach Javier Mascherano explained that while they initially planned to give Messi some playing time, Ustari's red card changed their strategy. "We had planned to give him some minutes, but with us going a man down...we didn’t want to take any risks," Mascherano stated, citing concerns about Messi's muscle load and the intensity of the early season. This decision, while disappointing to fans, underscores the cautious approach to managing Messi’s fitness.

Charlotte's Frustration and Missed Opportunities

Charlotte FC dominated possession throughout the match, particularly after Miami's red card. However, they struggled to convert their superior possession into clear-cut chances. Ashley Westwood controlled midfield effectively, but Miami's resolute defense thwarted most of Charlotte's attacks. Their best chance, a glancing header from Patrick Agyemang, sailed just wide of the post.

Looking Ahead

Inter Miami's victory maintains their unbeaten start to the season, placing them firmly in contention for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. Messi's return remains uncertain, with his fitness and the team's upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Cavalier SC influencing his next appearance. For Charlotte FC, this defeat serves as a lesson in capitalizing on opportunities, especially when playing against a numerically inferior opponent. Their next game provides a chance to quickly regroup and bounce back.

FAQ

The article doesn't specify the reason for Messi's absence. His return to the starting lineup remains uncertain, but it likely involved a strategic decision by the coach or a minor injury precaution.

Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory despite playing a man down for a portion of the match. While Charlotte had more possession, they didn't create many high-quality scoring opportunities, showcasing Inter Miami's defensive resilience.

Luis Suárez scored the only goal of the match, securing a vital three points for Inter Miami against Charlotte FC.

Inter Miami defeated Charlotte FC with a final score of 1-0. This victory is particularly impressive given the circumstances of the red card and Messi's absence.

The article states that Messi's return remains uncertain. Further updates will be needed to know when he will next feature in Inter Miami's starting eleven.

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