MLS: Miami Hold On for 1-0 Win Over Charlotte FC Despite Red Card

Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Charlotte FC despite being reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Oscar Ustari's red card.

Lionel Messi was a spectator from the bench as Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. Despite being down to 10 men for much of the game, Miami managed to hold on for the win, with Messi not being utilized by coach Javier Mascherano.

The Argentine superstar has now missed three consecutive games for Miami, having not traveled to Houston for their previous 4-1 win in MLS and then watching from the sidelines during the 2-0 victory over Jamaica's Cavalier in the CONCACAF Champions Cup first-leg game on Thursday. Mascherano has emphasized the need to manage Messi's workload, given the 37-year-old World Cup winner's age.

GANAMOS 👊➕3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/zeECYzEuJO

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 9, 2025

Miami's goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, was sent off in the 38th minute, forcing the team to play with 10 men for the majority of the game. Despite this disadvantage, Charlotte FC, coached by Englishman Dean Smith, struggled to capitalize on their possession and create meaningful goal-scoring opportunities.

Although Charlotte dominated the game, they were unable to convert their possession into tangible results. In contrast, Miami's resilience and determination allowed them to secure the win, despite Messi's absence from the lineup. Mascherano's decision to manage Messi's workload has not hindered the team's performance, as they continue to accumulate wins in his absence.

Charlotte FC provided early indications of their attacking threats, with former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha showcasing his skills on the left flank and Israeli winger Liel Abada demonstrating his pace on the opposite wing. In contrast, Miami struggled to create scoring opportunities, with Ashley Westwood controlling the tempo of the game in midfield for the North Carolina side.

Busquets leading the squad through a hard fought win and securing the Icon of the Match trophy🫡🔥 @RoyalCarribean pic.twitter.com/EY6LY6FbJt

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 9, 2025

Miami's difficulties were compounded when goalkeeper Oscar Ustari received a straight red card for racing off his line and bringing down Zaha. Despite being down to 10 men, Miami managed to keep the score level at 0-0 by the end of the first half.

The interval seemed to galvanize Miami, as they scored a beautifully constructed goal just seconds after the restart. Tadeo Allende expertly back-heeled the ball to Luis Suarez, who returned the pass with a clever chip. Allende chested down the ball and then buried it into the bottom corner, scoring his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.

Miami opted to defend their lead, employing a deep and compact defensive strategy that frustrated Charlotte's attempts to break through. The visitors' best chance came in the 65th minute when Zaha delivered a wicked cross from the left, but Patrick Agyemang's glancing header flashed wide of the post.

As the game wore on, the crowd began to chant for Lionel Messi to make an appearance. However, coach Javier Mascherano instead opted for defensive changes, prioritizing the preservation of Miami's lead. The South Florida side successfully held firm, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.