img
Home fail inter miami lionel messi mls video

Lionel Messi misses panenka penalty in Inter Miami's defeat to Charlotte

Updated: • 0 • min read
Table of Contents
Lionel Messi misses panenka penalty in Inter Miami's defeat to Charlotte
Photo: @CharlotteFC
Lionel Messi endured a rare nightmare moment as Inter Miami were thrashed 3-0 by Charlotte FC in North Carolina on Saturday night.

The 38-year-old forward, who has scored almost every major honour in world football, had the chance to put Miami ahead in the 32nd minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul on him in the box.

Messi, known for his composure from the spot, attempted a delicate Panenka penalty.

But Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina wasn't fooled and simply raised his right hand to palm away the tame effort - leaving Messi visibly frustrated.

It was Messi's first penalty miss since the 2022 World Cup, where he failed to score against Poland in the group stage.

Before Saturday, he had converted all three of his spot-kicks for Miami.

Charlotte Punish Miami After Messi's Miss

The save proved a turning point as within minutes, Charlotte capitalised when Kerwin Vargas found Idan Toklomati, who fired past Miami keeper Óscar Ustari.

Toklomati wasn't done there and he doubled the lead early in the second half before sealing his hat-trick with a late penalty after Wilfried Zaha was brought down.

To make matters worse, Miami's Tomás Avilés was sent off for a second yellow card in the 79th minute, compounding a miserable evening for Javier Mascherano's side.

Mascherano Defends Messi Despite Defeat

Miami coach Mascherano, though, refused to blame Messi for the loss.
If there's one thing we can't do is be unfair about, blame, or cling to the penalty. It's a game situation.

Clearly, if there's anyone who's helped us win all season, it's been Leo.
The result leaves Miami hovering just above the MLS play-off line, whilst Charlotte extended their winning streak to nine games, equalling an MLS record set by Seattle Sounders in 2018.

Miami, missing suspended striker Luis Suárez, now face Seattle again on Tuesday in a crucial clash that could shape their play-off destiny.

Get new posts by email:
For any enquiries, please contact us here.

Post a Comment