Jobaaj Stories
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.
