Messi Rescues Draw for Inter Miami, Playoff Picture Takes Shape

Lionel Messi's equalizer rescued a point for Inter Miami in a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on Saturday. Despite the setback, Miami remain atop the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield standings.

Charlotte took the lead through Brandt Bronico's deflected shot in the 57th minute. Miami responded with urgency, and Messi equalized in the 67th minute with a left-footed drive into the bottom corner.

Miami thought they had won a penalty in the 77th minute, but VAR overturned the decision. In stoppage time, Luis Suarez missed a golden opportunity to secure the win.

Miami coach Gerardo Martino expressed frustration with the draw but acknowledged the team's progress. "We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now, we are a team that habitually wins," he said.

Elsewhere, the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls, New York City, LAFC, and Orlando City all clinched playoff berths.

In the 'Hudson River derby,' New York City thrashed the New York Red Bulls 5-1, with Alonso Martinez scoring twice. Orlando City defeated FC Dallas 3-1, while LAFC secured their playoff spot with a 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati.

Tags: #MLS, #InterMiami, #CharlotteFC, #LionelMessi, #Playoffs