Inter Miami endured a humiliating night on the pitch as Lionel Messi’s costly penalty miss overshadowed their performance in a heavy 3-0 defeat to Charlotte FC. The loss not only extended Charlotte’s incredible form but also exposed Miami’s struggles without their star striker, Luis Suárez, who was suspended for the clash.
Charlotte’s victory meant they stretched their impressive winning streak to nine matches, equaling a Major League Soccer record and sending a strong message to the rest of the league about their title credentials. Meanwhile, Miami slumped to their second consecutive thrashing, further deepening concerns about their form and consistency.
Messi’s missed penalty shifts momentum
Inter Miami started the game with intensity, pressing higher than usual and creating early chances. Jordi Alba nearly gave the Herons the lead inside the opening minutes when his effort was denied by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. The breakthrough opportunity came at the half-hour mark when Messi stepped up to the penalty spot after drawing a foul in the box.
However, the 38-year-old forward opted for a delicate Panenka-style strike that was easily caught by Kahlina. The miss proved decisive as Charlotte immediately launched a devastating counterattack. Within moments, Idan Toklomati clinically finished off the move to hand Charlotte the lead and shift momentum completely in their favor.
Toklomati shines with brilliant hat trick
Charlotte continued to grow in confidence in the second half. Their second goal arrived when Wilfried Zaha, displaying his trademark dribbling skills, cut inside from the left flank and unselfishly squared the ball to Toklomati, who calmly slotted it past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.
The Israeli forward wasn’t done yet. In the closing stages of the match, Zaha once again proved instrumental by drawing a foul inside the penalty area from veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets. Instead of taking the spot kick himself, Zaha handed the responsibility to Toklomati, who confidently converted to complete his hat trick and seal Charlotte’s dominant victory.
Miami’s form under scrutiny
This result leaves Inter Miami winless in three of their last four matches, a worrying trend for a side that has often relied heavily on the brilliance of Messi and Suárez to bail them out. With Suárez absent and Messi struggling to make his usual impact, Miami looked out of ideas in the attacking third and fragile at the back.
Messi, visibly frustrated after his penalty miss, was tightly marked by Charlotte’s defence throughout the game, leaving him unable to dictate play in the way fans have come to expect. The defeat raises fresh questions about whether Miami can maintain their playoff push without strengthening their squad depth and tactical balance.
On the other hand, Charlotte’s emphatic win highlighted their growing stature as one of the league’s most dangerous teams, with Toklomati emerging as a new fan favorite after a night to remember.