Chase Stadium – Inter Miami CF played to a 1-1 draw Saturday night at home versus Charlotte FC, marking three consecutive draws for the Herons. Karol Swiderski put Charlotte ahead in the 57th minute and Lionel Messi rifled the equalizer for Miami 10 minutes later for the final 1-1 score.
Starting XI
Drake Callender started as goalkeeper for the Herons, with a backline of four consisting of Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Tomas Aviles, and Marcelo Weigandt. The midfield triumvirate comprised Julian Gressel, Yannick Bright, and Federico Redondo. The front three were Diego Gomez, Luis Suarez, and Leo Messi. Gomez returned as a starter after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Herons bring out the heavy artillery to face Charlotte tonight @chase_stadium…#Messi & The Fantastics all suit up…
Several of the starters are one yellow card away from a suspension…
Big game with Supporter’s Shield 🛡️ implications for #InterMiamiCF #MLS pic.twitter.com/YWsBQ1CYdJ
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 28, 2024
Match Action
The action in the first half favored Inter Miami, with several scoring chances not capitalized by the home team. Charlotte had some opportunities themselves and also failed to get on the scoreboard. The second half would see greater action and intensity from both squads and goals being scored.
Charlotte FC got on the scoreboard first with Karol Swiderski redirecting a shot past Drake Callender. Swiderski was kept onside by Jordi Alba on the shot.
Charlotte gets on the scoreboard in the craziest of ways, a rebound off Swiderski goes in after Jordi Alba stays back keeping him onside..1-0 in the 57th minute…#InterMiamiCF #MLS
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 29, 2024
Despite Inter Miami dominating possession for most of the match, Charlotte took the lead. Ten minutes later Lionel Messi would rifle a shot into the corner of the Charlotte FC net to even the match at 1-1.
Lionel #Messi rifles one in with his gifted left foot to tie the match in the 67th minute…The GOAT 🐐 puts his mark on the match… Matias Rojas has allowed Lionel to float higher up on the pitch…#MLS #InterMiamiCF
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 29, 2024
Messi benefited from Matias Rojas being substituted into the game in the 60th minute. Lionel left some of the burden of creating to Rojas, as he began receiving the ball higher up the pitch and scored the tying goal. The rest of the match was a whirlwind of scoring chances for both sides. The game ended 1-1 and Miami added another point in their quest to break the MLS points record and win the Supporter’s Shield.
Postgame
After the match, I asked Jordi Alba and Matias Rojas a question. I asked Jordi about the three consecutive draws for Inter Miami and how the team was feeling,
We want to win, but we are still the leaders, on top, in first place and that’s what is important
Jordi didn’t mention any frustration or discontent, he focused on the fact that the team is still on top and has a great opportunity this Wednesday to clinch the Supporter’s Shield with a win against the Crew in Columbus. This is the type of mentality that players who have won championships on the world stage have; they move on and focus on the objective.
Jordi Alba on the three consecutive draws for #InterMiamiCF,
“We want to win but we are still the leaders, on top, in first place and that’s what is important.” pic.twitter.com/i4U4VGRJr0
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 29, 2024
Matias came into the match in the 60th minute and immediately changed the flow of the game for Miami. Rojas took charge and allowed Messi to play higher up the pitch and receive the ball in dangerous spots near Charlotte’s goal area. Lionel no longer was the only player creating and filtering passes for Miami. I asked Rojas if he and Messi could play together on the pitch without creating defensive liabilities for Miami,
Yes, in prior games we have started together. I have to and Leo has to defend and he does it. I do believe we can play together
The two lefties have good chemistry on the pitch and when they get together Inter Miami is a much better attacking team. The question is if it creates a hole defensively because neither one is known for their defensive prowess. In the moments that Rojas and Messi played together, the game was a back-and-forth whirlwind of a match. Very exciting for the fans but not a tactical advantage for Miami with the amount of chances Charlotte had to win the match.
I asked Matias Rojas if he & Messi can be together on the pitch without causing defensive liabilities for #InterMiamiCF,
“Yes, in prior games we have started together. I have to & Leo has to defend and he does it…I do believe we can play together.”#MLS #Messi pic.twitter.com/rN2awo0qNm
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) September 29, 2024
Final Thoughts
Lionel Messi scored the tying goal for the Herons against Charlotte FC with a wicked shot into the corner of the net. He became the sixth player in MLS history to have 15 goals and 15 assists in a season. Despite missing the majority of the matches for Inter Miami due to National Team call-ups or injury, Lionel Messi has had a history-making season.
Some fans seem to feel that the team was playing, and can play “better” without Messi. I can say that when Lionel was not playing the ball distribution on the pitch was more expansive. The players moved the ball all over the pitch in what appeared to be a more “organic” way. When Messi is on the pitch the ball seems to be forced into him even when better options are available. I will say this, any team is better when Lionel Messi plays for them. If Inter Miami wins the Supporter’s Shield and MLS Cup he will be a major reason why.
I saw David Martinez walking by the press area last night and he seemed to still be walking gingerly to me. My untrained eye says he still might be at least two weeks away from rejoining the squad. I hope I’m wrong because his presence and quality on the backline are missed.
Toto Aviles worries me. I don’t understand his penchant for yellow cards and silly fouls in the worst moments. I hoped Tata would have dealt with this situation earlier in the season by giving him some time to think on the bench. Ian Fray has been available this season and can cover for Aviles with similar or greater results.
Wednesday’s match in Columbus has great implications. Not only can Inter Miami clinch the Shield with a win, but they can also make a statement to the league that they are still the top contenders. All eyes will be on that game between MLS Titans.
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