MIAMI — After a blistering and badly-needed win last week, Charlotte FC was back on the road with the MLS playoffs approaching. Their opponent this week: a formidable Inter Miami CF team with Lionel Messi on the pitch.
Aside from a yellow card for Miami striker Diego Gómez four minutes in, there wouldn't be much action to kick things off. But after the first half, things finally started happening.
Charlotte striker Karol Świderski found the net at the 57-minute mark as the ball deflected off his body, assisted by midfielder Brandt Bronico. Just 10 minutes later, however, Messi answered for Miami, kicking it in with an assist from Marcelo Weigandt
There wouldn't be a break in the tied-up score from either team. Instead, time ticked on into 13 minutes of stoppage time and the match ended 1-1. Both teams add a point to their MLS standings.
Charlotte FC is back home on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to take on Chicago Fire FC. After that, CF Montreal is in town on Saturday, Oct. 5, for Charlotte's Fan Appreciation Night. Both games kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.