New Delhi: Lionel Messi scored his 15th goal in 16 Major League Soccer matches to help Inter Miami draw 1-1 against Charlotte FC and move a step closer to the MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi’s left footed shot from outside the box in the 67th minute helped Inter Miami restore parity and extend their unbeaten streak to eight consecutive MLS matches.
Messi had earlier missed 15 of Miami’s league matches with injury but still became only the sixth player in MLS history to score a minimum of 15 goals and register 15 assists in a season.
Ten minutes after Karol Swiderski shot deflected into the net to put Charlotte ahead, Messi produced a typical moment of brilliance to pull Miami ahead.
The Argentine got a pass near the penalty box and dribbled past his marker to shoot into with his left foot between four defenders and into the net.
GOAL MESSI !!! pic.twitter.com/Eulzs3EjY5
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) September 29, 2024
Messi’s strike helped Inter Miami go eight points clear ahead in battle for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They are also seven points above Los Angeles Galaxy for the No. 1 overall seed in race for the MLS playoffs.
If Inter Miami beat Columbus on Wednesday, they would confirm the No. 1 overall seed or the playoffs as they have 65 points (19-4-8) with three matches left while Columbus, who are placed next, have 57 points (16-5-9) with four matches remaining.
“Obviously, we are frustrated with the three consecutive ties. But the story continues,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said, as quoted by AP.
Messi had earlier missed 15 of Miami’s league matches with injury but still became only the sixth player in MLS history to score a minimum of 15 goals and register 15 assists in a season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
