Inter Miami’s playoff push in Major League Soccer suffered a setback on Saturday night as they fell 3-0 to Charlotte FC, with Lionel Messi missing a golden opportunity from the spot at a decisive moment.
The game had enormous stakes for both sides, who are battling to establish better positions in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. That sense of desperation was evident from the kickoff, with both clubs appearing fit and keen. Inter Miami started well, dominating possession and fashioning the first genuine opportunity when Jordi Alba’s shot from a Tadeo Allende cross was thwarted by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
No luck on the panenka.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2025
Kristijan Kahlina stands his ground! 😳
📺 #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/Hk7vdrFPCI pic.twitter.com/ltzmUpAPEn
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Kahlina, though, reserved his best moment for the 32nd minute. When VAR confirmed a foul on Messi within the box, the Argentine legend went up to slot in the resulting penalty. Going for a Panenka-type cheeky effort, Messi saw his effort coolly caught by the Croatian goalkeeper, who would not be hoodwinked.
No stopping Idan Toklomati right now. 🔥@CharlotteFC with the breakthrough at home! pic.twitter.com/PvTG6OAvWa
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2025
That miss proved costly. Just seconds later, Charlotte pounced on Miami’s unsettled defense, with Kerwin Vargas setting up Idan Toklomaty, who slotted home the opener. In the blink of an eye, the Herons went from nearly celebrating the lead to chasing the game. Despite regaining control of possession late in the half, Miami’s lack of sharpness in the final third left them trailing 1-0 at the break.
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TOKLOMATI ON A TEAR! ⚡️@CharlotteFC double their lead at home. pic.twitter.com/yXag0PPpVS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2025
The second period saw more misery for Tata Martino’s side. Charlotte doubled the lead when Wilfried Zaha and Brandt Bronico set up Toklomaty, who finished from in front for his second goal of the evening. Matters worsened late on when defender Tomas Aviles was shown a red card in the 79th minute, and Toklomaty sealed his hat-trick minutes later by scoring from the penalty spot.
