Messi scores, but Inter Miami held as playoff race heats up

Lionel Messi netted the equalizer, but a lacklustre Inter Miami had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday. Meanwhile, several other teams, including the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, LAFC, and Orlando City, all clinched playoff spots.

Despite recording their third consecutive draw, Miami remains atop both the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield standings, having already secured a playoff berth.

Charlotte, managed by former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, took a surprise lead in the 57th minute. Brandt Bronico's low shot took a deflection off Karol Swiderski, wrong-footing Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.

The goal sparked a response from Miami, with Jordi Alba delivering a cross from the left to Messi. However, the Argentine’s header was comfortably saved by Charlotte’s goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. The Croatian shot-stopper also thwarted Messi moments later, parrying a drive from the edge of the box.

Undeterred, Messi found space just outside the area and rifled a trademark left-footed shot into the bottom corner, bringing his season tally to 15 goals in as many games.

Miami thought they had earned a penalty in the 77th minute when Diego Gomez was brought down by Charlotte defender Adilson Malanda, prompting referee Ramy Touchan to point to the spot. However, after Malanda received a second yellow card, VAR intervened, ruling that the defender had played the ball, canceling the penalty and keeping Charlotte level with 10 men.

In stoppage time, Miami had one final chance to claim all three points. Alba headed the ball across the face of goal, but Luis Suárez, under pressure from Kahlina, fired over from close range.

With 65 points and three games left to play, Miami remains in control of their destiny. Reigning champions Columbus Crew trail with 57 points, and Cincinnati sits third with 56. A win or draw against Columbus on Wednesday would clinch the Supporters' Shield for Miami.

Head coach Gerardo Martino urged perspective despite the frustration of three consecutive draws.

"We used to be a team that regularly lost, and now we are a team that regularly wins, which raises expectations," Martino said. "We've worked hard to change the perception of this team, despite dealing with numerous injuries and international duty call-ups. Yes, we're frustrated, but it's not as though we didn’t have chances to win."

In other MLS action, New York City FC secured a playoff spot with a 5-1 rout of New York Red Bulls in the "Hudson River Derby," thanks to two goals from Alonso Martinez. The Red Bulls, despite the heavy loss, also clinched a playoff spot due to other results.

Orlando City kept their postseason hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over FC Dallas, while LAFC, last season's MLS Cup runners-up, booked their playoff place after a 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati.

Additionally, Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo secured playoff berths before even playing their games later in the day, benefiting from results elsewhere.