Messi's Inter Miami Season Ends With Defeat

Lionel Messi started his Inter Miami season on a high note by helping them win their Leagues Cup. Yet, his 90-minute performance resulted in a defeat against Charlotte FC (1-1-0).

Messi, who made his Inter Miami debut late in July by donning the black "La Noche Inter Miami" jersey for the first time, showed true engagement and competitive spirit and ran hard as though each match were pivotal - but ultimately, it wasn't.

Two Inter Miami offsides penalties nullified Kerwin Vargas' goal in the 13th minute for Inter Miami, while Kristijan Khlina made two remarkable saves with his fingertips to secure passage into MLS playoffs and make history.

MESSI INTER MIAMI BLACK JERSEY IS IN ACTION

In today’s match, Messi will wear the black Inter Miami jersey for the first time during his Messi era.

Since joining Inter Miami in late July, Messi has worn the pink Heartbeat Kit jerseys.

Inter Miami teased the jersey kit on social media before the match as a special treat for Messi’s fans, who had patiently waited to see him wearing Inter Miami’s La Noche Kit.

Highlights of Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami

Kerwin Vargas goal: Charlotte FC 1, Inter Miami 0

Wearing a black long-sleeve shirt beneath his black "La Noche" Inter Miami jersey featuring the captain's wristband, Messi has battled hard for possession around midfield but patiently played through the first 10 minutes of this match.

Charlotte FC scored early to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Kerwin Vargas scored in the 13th minute to give Charlotte FC an advantage and take an early 1-0 lead in this match.

Inter Miami misses shot: Charlotte FC 1, Inter Miami 0

Messi had an opening behind Charlotte's defense in the 40th minute but couldn't reach Leo Campana's pass to reach him.

Messi passed to Deandre Yadlin, setting up Diego Gomez's shot, which was deflected off a defender by Inter Miami to score their opening goal of the match.

Messi was restrained but energetic throughout the first half of the match. He ran hard whenever involved.

Charlotte FC 1, Inter Miami 0

Messi received a pass from Charlotte's outlet and ran toward their box, quickly chipping the ball over their goalie just before starting the second half.

Messi's only attempt at goal in this match was offside.

Messi's second attempt was stopped shortly afterward by a Charlotte defenseman.

Charlotte FC 1 Miami 0. Messi misses two free kicks in the 62' and 65"

Leo Messi came close to scoring an astounding goal from a free kick.

Charlotte's goalkeeper deflected Lionel Messi's right-side free kick off the crossbar, allowing Kerwin Vargas of Charlotte to score. In doing so, he scored the only goal in this match.

Messi was awarded a free kick in the 65th minute from 40-45 meters. Still, his kick hit several Charlotte defenders and players instead of being directed toward the goal. Two Charlotte players had fouled Messi earlier, prompting this kick.

Messi's Performance In This League

In 14 matches this season for Inter Miami, Messi scored 11 goals and led his team to an 8-2-4 record overall and seven victories in their Leagues Cup Championship campaign. Furthermore, Messi also appeared in five Major League Soccer (MLS) matches, starting three of them and scoring one goal each time he started one match (three starts/scored one goal in total).

Messi was in the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals until an injury to his leg sidelined him, effectively ending Inter Miami's postseason hopes and leading them into their third loss without him in seven matches since joining. Cincinnati defeated Inter Miami 1-0 on October 7 to oust them from playoff contention despite Messi being available as a sub.