In a thrilling showdown at Charlotte’s 74,000-seat Bank of America Stadium, the footballing world witnessed Lionel Messi’s presence on artificial turf during Inter Miami’s season finale. This game was of particular significance for Charlotte FC, as they vied for a spot in the MLS playoffs with a 1-0 victory. The match drew an impressive crowd of 66,101, showcasing the immense popularity and magnetism of Lionel Messi. In this article, we’ll explore how Messi’s involvement impacted the game, the aspirations of Charlotte FC, and the future of Inter Miami.
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The Messi Show
Lionel Messi, the iconic footballer who captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, undeniably stole the spotlight that evening. The crowd was decked out in Messi’s legendary No. 10 jerseys, showing their deep respect for his remarkable career. Despite the game being of no consequence for Miami, who had already been eliminated from playoff contention, Messi demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his craft. He played the entire game, offering fans a taste of his brilliance.
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Messi’s Performance
During the match, Messi showcased his remarkable skills, registering three shots and two scoring opportunities. His apparent goal in the 49th minute was disallowed due to an offside call, and his shot in the 62nd minute bounced off the crossbar. This demonstrated that even in a game without high stakes, Messi’s competitive spirit and talent shone through.
Messi’s Season with Miami
Charlotte’s Playoff Dream
For Charlotte FC, the stakes were much higher. The second-year franchise needed a victory over Miami and assistance from other results to secure one of the two remaining Eastern Conference playoff berths. The Chicago Fire and CF Montreal had already suffered losses earlier on Saturday, creating an opportunity for Charlotte to clinch a playoff spot with a victory.
Historic Victory
Kerwin Vargas’ goal in the 13th minute turned out to be the match-winner, sealing a historic victory for Charlotte FC. They managed to keep Miami at bay during the closing stages of the game, something they had struggled with throughout the season.
Impact on Attendance
This thrilling encounter solidified Charlotte FC’s popularity, and they are set to finish the 2023 season second in league attendance. The team had been averaging 33,634 fans before this regular-season finale. This impressive turnout was largely attributed to Messi’s presence, showcasing the tremendous allure he brings to football events.
Coach’s Perspective
Charlotte FC coach Christian Lattanzio openly recognized Messi’s unmistakable impact on the turnout, saying, “I was fully aware that Messi’s presence was the driving force behind this turnout. As more spectators attend our matches, they’ll witness that we can compete on par with the world’s finest. I’m exceedingly proud of our team – they’ve invested immense effort and commitment.”
Messi’s Upcoming Schedule
Lionel Messi is expected to don Inter Miami’s colors in two exhibition matches in China on November 5 and 8. This tour marks a significant moment for Inter Miami, their first foreign exhibition. Afterward, Argentina’s national team has more World Cup qualifiers on November 16 and 21. Following these fixtures, Messi should get a well-deserved extended break before Inter Miami starts preparing for the 2024 season.
Reflections on the Season
Inter Miami CF coach Gerardo Martino reflected on his team’s season, attributing their exhaustion to the heavy schedule. “We had three tournaments and won one,” Martino said. “The team was exhausted. That’s no excuse. That’s the reality.”
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s presence at Inter Miami’s season finale not only thrilled fans but also played a pivotal role in Charlotte FC’s qualification for the MLS playoffs. This article captures the excitement of the match, Messi’s performance, and the impact on the teams involved.