Messi’s 15th goal earns Inter Miami draw against Charlotte

Lionel Messi continued his remarkable run with Inter Miami, scoring his 15th goal in 16 league matches to secure a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC.

The result extended Miami’s unbeaten streak to eight Major League Soccer (MLS) games and brought them closer to clinching the top seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Charlotte took the lead in the 57th minute when Karol Świderski deflected a shot past the Miami defense.

However, Messi responded just 10 minutes later with a brilliant left-footed strike, threading the ball through four defenders into the net to level the score.

Miami remains eight points clear of Columbus Crew in the Eastern standings, while the draw also keeps them in the running to break the MLS single-season points record.

With three games remaining, Miami could surpass New England’s 2021 record of 73 points if they win out.

Despite two late chances, including a missed opportunity by Luis Suarez, Miami had to settle for their third consecutive draw.

They will face Columbus next on Wednesday, where a win would confirm their top spot in the East.