Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and the 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, had a frustrating first season in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. His team failed to qualify for the playoffs and lost their final game 1-0 to Charlotte FC on Saturday night.
Messi plays the entire game on artificial turf
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in mid-July after leaving Barcelona, played the entire game on artificial turf at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. He had three shots and two scoring chances, but could not find the back of the net. His apparent goal in the 49th minute was ruled out for offside, and his shot in the 62nd minute hit the crossbar.
Messi, who scored twice for Argentina in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Peru on Tuesday night, did not play in the makeup game against Charlotte on Wednesday. He had only one media availability in his half-season with the team, on August 17. He did not address the media after the game.
Messi finishes with 11 goals in 14 matches
Messi finished his debut MLS season with 11 goals in 14 matches, but his team was winless in his final six league games (three losses, three draws). Inter Miami ended up in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind the seventh-placed Charlotte FC, who clinched a playoff spot with their victory.
Messi’s arrival in MLS was expected to boost the league’s profile and popularity, but his performance and impact were overshadowed by injuries, fatigue, and poor results. He also faced criticism from some fans and pundits for choosing to play in a less competitive league than Europe’s top leagues.
Charlotte FC makes history with playoff berth
Charlotte FC, the second-year franchise that joined MLS in 2022, made history by qualifying for the playoffs in their final regular-season game. They needed a win over Inter Miami and help from other results to claim one of the two remaining Eastern Conference playoff spots.
Charlotte FC midfielder Kerwin Vargas scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute, and the team defended well to keep a clean sheet. Charlotte FC coach Miguel Angel Ramirez praised his players for their resilience and determination.
“We knew it was a difficult game against a great team with a great player like Messi, but we also knew we had a chance to make history. We played with courage, intensity, and intelligence. We are very proud of what we have achieved,” Ramirez said.
Charlotte FC will face New York City FC in the first round of the playoffs on November 5. They will hope to continue their fairy-tale run and challenge for the MLS Cup.
