Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC in their Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture at Chase Stadium on Saturday, despite playing with 10 men for a significant portion of the match. The win lifts Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference standings, while Charlotte remain in sixth.
Lionel Messi, having been rested for Inter Miami’s previous two matches, was named on the substitutes’ bench but did not feature in the game.
The match’s key moment came in the 38th minute when Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was sent off for a professional foul on Charlotte forward Wilfried Zaha outside the penalty area. Zaha was attempting to go past the onrushing goalkeeper when he was brought down.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Inter Miami took the lead immediately after halftime. Tadeo Allende scored in the 46th minute, finishing off a swift one-two with Luis Suarez. Suarez chipped the ball onto Allende’s chest, and the Argentine controlled it before placing it past the Charlotte goalkeeper.
Charlotte’s best opportunity to equalize came in the 79th minute. Substitute Idan Gorno’s shot from a tight angle struck the far post.
The victory, achieved without Messi’s on-field contribution, highlights Inter Miami’s squad depth and resilience. It also raises questions about Messi’s role and fitness as the season progresses.
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