Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami

On MLS Decision Day, with a playoff spot on the line, Charlotte FC faced off against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and the stage was set for an unforgettable night in the regular season finale. Charlotte initially displayed some nerves and uncertainty given the high stakes, making a shaky start. However, they quickly settled into the game. Both teams were eager to establish control and took turns holding possession without truly posing a significant threat.

It was the home team that eventually seized the first clear-cut opportunity and made the most of it. Charlotte managed to exploit a gap in Miami's relentless press when they won the ball in their opponent's half in transition. The ball eventually found its way to Kamil Jóźwiak in the wide right channel, who then located Kerwin Vargas on the opposite side of the box Miami's penalty box. Vargas cleverly deceived the defense with a feigned first-time shot, smoothly switching to his left foot, and struck across the goalkeeper netting Charlotte the lead just 13 minutes into the match.

Messi looked spectacular, scoring in the 32nd and 42nd minutes of Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru on Tuesday night in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, and insisted on finishing Inter Miami’s season.

Messi played on turf instead of natural grass for the first time in the MLS. And Inter Miami used its final road match of the season to gauge its lineup ahead of a lengthy offseason, where an early November trip to China for two friendlies and some more roster rebuilding could be in the cards.

Messi finished with 11 goals in 14 matches with Inter Miami this season. The team went 8-2-4 in those games; seven of those matches were on the team's run to win its first-ever trophy by claiming the Leagues Cup championship. He also appeared in five MLS games, starting three times and scoring one goal.

Messi played in one U.S. Open Cup semifinal, but a leg injury derailed his season and essentially ended Inter Miami's chances of making the postseason. Miami is now 1-3-3 in seven matches without Messi since he joined the club. He was able to play as a substitute on Oct. 7 against Cincinnati, but Inter Miami lost 1-0 in the outcome that sealed its playoff elimination.

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Sarah H

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