Lionel Messi was at it again on Saturday night in Major League Soccer action as the Argentine scored Inter Miami’s only goal in a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC. The World Cup winner, who recently returned to action after a two-month injury layoff following the Copa America, brought his team level in the 67th minute with a signature strike. The ex-Barcelona man received the ball at the top of the box, faked as if he was going to shoot to reach his defender, and hit a powerful and curling effort low at the far post.
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That’s just Messi doing Messi things in MLS. As Inter Miami approach the top seed in the Eastern Conference and are the heavy favorites to win the MLS Cup, this is a result that shows their ability to compete and really dominate against a likely playoff team without being the best. Inter Miami finished the game with 19 shots and seven on frame, while Charlotte put just two of their nine shots on goal. In the end, it will be a result the Herons know should have ended with three points instead of one, but it will serve as a learning experience come playoff time.
After the game ended, Messi received a yellow card for his constant arguing with the referee about his decision not to call many fouls. Teammate Jordi Alba had to come over to encourage Messi to stop, hoping to prevent him from receiving a red card. Inter Miami returns to action on Wednesday against arguably the second best team in the league, the Columbus Crew.
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