Inter Miami blew a three-goal lead at home as Charlotte FC mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to claim a 3-3 draw, 101 Great Goals reported.
Dominant First Half for Miami
The visiting side thought they had taken an early lead in the fifth minute when Liel Abada volleyed into the net. However, the goal was overturned following a VAR review that identified a handball by Idan Toklomati during the buildup.
Inter Miami capitalized on the decision nine minutes later. A corner delivered by Lionel Messi created chaos in the penalty box, leading to Luca de la Torre unintentionally turning the ball toward his own net before Ian Fray smashed a close-range volley past goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.
The hosts extended their margin in the 33rd minute through another corner from Messi. German Berterame flicked the ball across the face of goal, allowing Luis Suarez to tap in from short distance. Nine minutes before the break, Rodrigo De Paul added a third by controlling a pass from Telasco Segovia and driving a low 35-yard effort into the bottom corner.
Charlotte’s Second-Half Revival
Charlotte launched their fightback five minutes into the second half. Ashley Westwood floated a cross that Tyger Smalls volleyed across the target, giving Abada an easy finish from close range.
Abada scored his second of the match just five minutes later. Pep Biel set up the winger with a clever backheel pass, allowing Abada to slot a precise shot into the bottom corner to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Miami attempted to respond as Messi attempted a chip over Kahlina, but defender Henry Kessler cleared the ball off the goal line. Suarez later missed another chance to restore the cushion, dragging his shot wide after receiving a pass from Riquelme.
The missed opportunities proved costly in the 90th minute. David Schnegg swung a delivery into the penalty box, and after Micael’s clearing header reached Smalls, the substitute struck the frame of the goal. The rebound bounced to Rodolfo Aloko, who volleyed past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair at the near post to complete the equalizer.
