Charlotte
Charlotte FC sealed their Major League Soccer playoff berth for the third straight year with a 3-0 win over Inter Miami on Saturday night, a match defined by Lionel Messi’s rare penalty miss.
In the 31st minute, Messi earned a penalty after being brought down in the box. He attempted a Panenka, but Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina stayed upright and calmly collected the shot. That miss proved costly, as Charlotte struck soon after and dominated the rest of the game.
The victory extended Charlotte’s winning streak to nine, equalling the club’s all-time record. They now sit on 53 points (17 wins, 11 losses, two draws), the highest tally in club history, with four matches still to play. Their Bank of America Stadium fortress has been key, delivering 12 league-best home wins. With these results, Charlotte are firmly positioned in third place in the Eastern Conference and now aim to secure home advantage for Round One’s Best-of-3 series.
The club’s progress is notable after the midseason sale of striker Patrick Agyemang to Derby County. Israeli youngster Idan Toklomati has impressed with 11 goals and four assists. Loan signing Wilfried Zaha contributed seven goals and 10 assists despite injuries, while Spanish playmaker Pep Biel has been a steady influence, recording 22 goal contributions.
For Inter Miami, coach Javier Mascherano admitted the team still relies heavily on Messi. “We can’t be unfair and cling to the penalty; if there’s someone who helped us win this season, it’s been Leo,” he said.
