MIAMI — Robbie Robinson snuck behind Charlotte FC's defense after taking a pass and scored an easy goal in the 84th minute to secure a 2-2 draw for Inter Miami CF.
Charlotte led for most of the second half after a score from Kerwin Vargas and seemed poised to secure the win, putting the team in the driver's seat for a playoff position. But instead, Charlotte conceded yet another late goal to change the result.
Enzo Copetti scored first for Charlotte FC with a header that bounced its way into the net to put the team up 1-0 in the 45th minute.
Late in stoppage time during the first half, Miami's Tomás Avilés curled a deep pass that found its way behind Charlotte's defense to Nicolás Stefanelli, who finished it off for a goal to level the score in the final moments of the first half.
Charlotte would find the lead quickly in the second half with Vargas' score. The lead stayed in Charlotte's possession until Robinson took a pass from Leonardo Campana and made an easy score.
Miami was playing without international superstar Lionel Messi, who was watching the game from the bench a day after scoring two goals in the Argentina National Football Team's 2-0 win over Peru. Messi will play on Saturday in Miami's second match against Charlotte FC.
The draw improves Charlotte to 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings with 40 points. Charlotte is level on points with D.C. United, which holds the final playoff spot in ninth place. Charlotte is behind D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, and Chicago Fire FC based on total number of wins - Charlotte has nine wins while the other three teams have 10 wins.
Charlotte's final game of the season will be on Saturday once again against Miami. Wednesday's match was moved from Aug. 20 due to Leagues Cup commitments for both teams.
Seven of the nine playoff spots in the Eastern Conference have been decided already with just the final two being up for grabs between six teams. Charlotte will make the postseason with a win and losses or draws from New York and Chicago.