Sun Sep 14 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Messi Misses Penalty as Inter Miami Crushed 3-0 by Charlotte FC
**CHARLOTTE, NC -** In a stunning upset, Inter Miami suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat at the hands of a dominant Charlotte FC on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium. The loss was compounded by a rare penalty miss from Lionel Messi, his first since the 2022 World Cup.
Messi had a chance to put Miami ahead in the 32nd minute after he was deemed to have been fouled in the box. However, his attempted Panenka chip was expertly saved by Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
The miss proved to be a turning point. Charlotte capitalized on the momentum shift, with Idan Toklomati opening the scoring just minutes later. Toklomati went on to complete a hat trick, securing a convincing victory for the home side.
“It’s a game situation,” said Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “Clearly, if there’s anyone who’s helped us win all season, it’s been Leo.”
Miami’s struggles continued in the second half, with Toklomati adding two more goals, including a penalty of his own in the 84th minute. Defender Tomás Avilés further compounded Miami’s problems by receiving a second yellow card late in the game.
Charlotte’s victory marked their ninth consecutive league win, tying an MLS record. The win also solidified their position in the top four of the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami, playing without the suspended Luis Suárez, remains just above the playoff line.
“It clearly worries me, we lost 3-0,” said Mascherano. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t the night we wanted. We’ll get out of this situation by working hard and, above all, winning.”
Inter Miami will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they face Seattle Sounders, a team they recently faced in the Leagues Cup Final.
First Piper 