Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) and Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream (3) vie for a ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Major League Soccer: Lionel Messi Scores As Inter Miami Play Out 1-1 Draw With Charlotte FC - In Pics
Inter Miami and Charlotte FC clashed in an intense Major League Soccer matchup, ending in a thrilling 1-1 draw. The contest showcased exceptional attacking prowess from both sides. Charlotte FC's Karol Swiderski struck first in the 57th minute, but Lionel Messi saved the day for Inter Miami, netting his 15th goal of the season in the 67th minute. This remarkable effort marked Messi's 15th goal in just 16 league appearances this season. Moreover, he became the sixth player in MLS history to achieve at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a single season – an impressive feat considering he's missed 15 league matches. The draw keeps Inter Miami in contention for the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup playoffs and within reach of the MLS single-season points record. Messi's heroics at Chase Stadium further cemented his status as a driving force behind Inter Miami's success.
MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) and Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream (3) vie for a ball
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, center, gets off a shot past the defense of Charlotte FC midfielder Djibril Diani
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, center, gets off a shot past the defense of Charlotte FC midfielder Djibril Diani (28), center left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, left, battles with Charlotte FC forward Jamie Paterson (7) for the ball
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, left, battles with Charlotte FC forward Jamie Paterson (7) for the ball with during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez, left, clashes with Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez, left, clashes with Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Charlotte FC forward Iuri Tavares (38) jumps over Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Charlotte FC forward Iuri Tavares (38) jumps over Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi (30) during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) falls after a collision with defenders as Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) falls after a collision with defenders as Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett (34) looks on during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, second right, celebrates after scoring against Charlotte FC
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, second right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Charlotte FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Teammates celebrate a goal by Charlotte FC forward Karol Swiderski
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Teammates celebrate a goal by Charlotte FC forward Karol Swiderski, right, during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Inter Miami, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba (18) controls the ball under pressure from Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba (18) controls the ball under pressure from Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel (10) during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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MLS, Inter Miami vs Charlotte FC: Charlotte FC defender Nathan Byrne (14). left, and Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez
| Photo: AP/Rebecca Blackwell
Charlotte FC defender Nathan Byrne (14). left, and Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez (20) collide during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
