Inter Miami Surrenders Three-Goal Lead in Draw With Charlotte

Inter Miami took control before halftime, but Charlotte scored three times after the break to earn a 3-3 draw and deny the hosts a regular-season finale victory. Miami entered the match with a one-point lead over New England in the race for second in the East; a win would have clinched the playoffs’ No. 2 seed.

Charlotte had an early goal ruled out after a video review found a handball in the buildup. Miami went ahead in the 14th minute when Ian Fray scored from close range after a corner. Lionel Messi delivered another corner in the 33rd minute, and Luis Suárez tapped in after Germán Berterame redirected the ball. Rodrigo De Paul made it 3-0 just before halftime with a long-range shot, assisted by Telasco Segovia.

Charlotte began its comeback five minutes into the second half and scored again five minutes later, cutting the deficit to one. Miami had a chance to restore its three-goal cushion in the 70th minute, but Charlotte’s goalkeeper made the save.

The visitors completed the comeback in the 90th minute, scoring after the ball struck the post and fell to a Charlotte attacker. Messi nearly won it for Miami moments later, but his shot hit the post. The match ended 3-3.

Miami remained second in the East after Orlando City beat New England. The Herons will face Columbus Crew in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.