Lionel Messi’s audacious Panenka penalty attempt ended in embarrassment on 14 September, as Charlotte FC humbled Inter Miami 3-0 at the Bank of America Stadium.
The Argentine forward stepped up in the 32nd minute with the chance to put Miami ahead, but his chipped effort was read comfortably by Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, last season’s MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
The miss immediately shifted the momentum. Just two minutes later, 21-year-old Idan Toklomati broke the deadlock, finishing neatly from Kerwin Vargas’s cross to ignite celebrations among the sellout 35,000 crowd.
Toklomati doubled his tally early in the second half, combining with Wilfried Zaha and Brandt Bronico before finishing coolly. The youngster capped a memorable night by completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, sealing Charlotte’s ninth successive victory.
“It’s a dream come true,” Toklomati said after the match. “To score three in front of our fans on a night like this is unforgettable.”
For Messi, the evening carried an extra sting. The penalty was Miami’s first of the season in their 25th match, yet the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner squandered the chance. It was also his first miss from the spot since 2022.
Despite leading MLS with 29 goal contributions – 19 goals and 10 assists – Messi was unable to lift his side, who looked blunt in attack and fragile at the back.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was also without Luis Suárez, suspended for three matches following a spitting incident in the Leagues Cup final. Without their iconic duo firing, Miami slipped to a second consecutive 3-0 defeat, following their loss in Seattle on 31 august.
Dean Smith’s Charlotte side are now firmly in the play-off race. Their ninth straight victory equals the MLS record set by Seattle Sounders in 2018 and moves them to third place in the Eastern Conference with 53 points.
For Miami, the defeat leaves pressing questions as they look to regroup quickly to stay in touch with the play-off places.
