Messi misses Panenka PK as Charlotte routs Miami
Charlotte FC secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium, highlighted by a hat trick from striker Idan Toklomati, while Lionel Messi missed a rare penalty for the first time since 2022.
Messi, tasked with taking a penalty in the 32nd minute following a VAR review that confirmed a foul by Charlotte’s Djibril Diani, opted for a Panenka-style chip down the middle. However, Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina anticipated the shot and saved it, denying the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. This marked Messi’s first penalty miss for Miami, having converted all three prior attempts this MLS season. The miss immediately shifted momentum, as Charlotte quickly countered, with Toklomati crossing low to score the opener two minutes later.
Toklomati, who now leads Charlotte with 11 goals this season, extended the lead in the 47th minute with a close-range finish assisted by Wilfried Zaha and Brandt Bronico. He completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute by converting a penalty awarded after Zaha was fouled in the box. With the victory, Charlotte FC matched the MLS post-shootout era record with their ninth consecutive win. Kahlina also made a notable contribution with a clean sheet, registering his 10th shutout of the season.
Inter Miami, missing suspended striker Luis Suárez, started strong early but struggled to break down Charlotte’s disciplined defense. The defeat leaves Miami with a record of 13 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws, while Charlotte retains third place in the Eastern Conference, nearing playoff qualification.
This defeat underscores the challenges facing Inter Miami as they look to maintain momentum without Suárez, and it highlights Charlotte’s emergence as one of the league’s most in-form teams. For Messi, the penalty miss is an uncharacteristic setback but, within the broader scope of his MLS campaign, remains a testament to his role as Miami’s pivotal playmaker.
Charlotte’s tactical resilience and clinical finishing underscore their strategic depth, making them a formidable contender as the MLS season progresses. Meanwhile, Miami must regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against the Seattle Sounders, focusing on both defensive solidity and offensive efficiency to regain competitiveness.
The match reinforced Messi’s elite status while also illustrating the fine margins in professional penalty-taking and the high stakes of key fixtures in Major League Soccer.