Inter Miami suffered another difficult night as Lionel Messi’s missed Panenka penalty proved costly in a 3-0 loss to Charlotte FC.
With Luis Suárez suspended, the Herons lacked their usual attacking sharpness, and Charlotte capitalized through Idan Toklomati’s hat trick, condemning Miami to back-to-back heavy defeats.
Miami started brightly, pressing high and creating early chances. Jordi Alba tested Kristijan Kahlina before Messi won a penalty on the half-hour mark. However, his attempt was comfortably saved, and Charlotte immediately struck back as Toklomati finished off a counterattack.
The hosts doubled their lead early in the second half when Wilfried Zaha squared for Toklomati to slot home. In the 84th minute, Zaha won a penalty and handed it to the Israeli forward, who converted to seal his hat trick.
The defeat leaves Miami winless in three of their last four matches, sparking concerns over their form without Suárez. Messi, meanwhile, endured a subdued evening, with Charlotte’s defence neutralizing his influence after the crucial miss.
