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Lionel Messi Held Out of Inter Miami Win After Oscar Ustari Red Card
Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC in a dramatic Major League Soccer (MLS) encounter, despite being reduced to ten men following the first-half dismissal of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. However, IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets the absence of Lionel Messi from the pitch was a key talking point, leaving fans both disappointed and curious about his fitness and availability in the upcoming matches.
Match Overview
The match took place at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, where Inter Miami, under the guidance of head coach Javier Mascherano, IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to claim all three points. The lone goal of the match was scored by Tadeo Allende in the second half, extending Miami’s strong start to the 2025 MLS season.
The game was filled with drama as Inter Miami had to battle adversity, including a numerical disadvantage following Ustari’s controversial red card. Despite these setbacks, the team showed remarkable character to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Messi’s Absence: A Tactical Decision or Injury Concern?
The biggest pre-match discussion revolved around whether Lionel Messi would take the field. Having been rested in previous games due to workload management, Messi was listed among the substitutes. Fans in the stadium, as well as viewers worldwide, IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets eagerly anticipated his appearance, chanting his name in hopes of seeing the Argentine superstar in action.
However, Mascherano ultimately decided against fielding Messi, a decision that sparked debates post-match. The coach clarified that Messi’s omission was a precautionary measure rather than a sign of injury. Given the packed schedule ahead, particularly with Inter Miami competing in multiple tournaments, Mascherano emphasized the importance of preserving Messi for crucial upcoming matches.
“We all know what Messi brings to the team, but we also have to be mindful of his condition,” Mascherano said in a post-match press conference. IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets “He has played a lot of football recently, and we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks. There’s a long season ahead.”
This explanation, however, did little to satisfy the thousands of fans who had paid high ticket prices in hopes of seeing Messi on the field. The decision reignited debates about the management of high-profile players and the expectations of spectators in modern football.
The Turning Point: Oscar Ustari’s Red Card
The dynamics of the match changed dramatically in the 38th minute when Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, received a straight red card for a professional foul. IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets Charlotte FC forward Enzo Copetti had broken through Miami’s defense and was clear on goal when Ustari charged out of his penalty area, mistiming his challenge and bringing down the Argentine striker.
The referee had no hesitation in brandishing the red card, reducing Inter Miami to ten men for the remainder of the match. This forced an immediate tactical reshuffle, with backup goalkeeper Drake Callender being introduced at the expense of an attacking player.
Despite the setback, Miami’s defensive line remained resolute. Ian Fray and Noah Allen stepped up their performances, effectively neutralizing Charlotte FC’s attacking threats. IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets The defensive effort was commendable, especially considering the numerical disadvantage.
Tadeo Allende’s Match-Winning Goal
With Miami playing a more conservative style after Ustari’s dismissal, the breakthrough came in the 61st minute. Veteran forward Luis Suárez, who had been orchestrating attacks in Messi’s absence, delivered a perfectly timed cross into the box. Tadeo Allende, showcasing his growing importance in the squad, met the cross with a clinical finish, slotting the ball past Charlotte’s goalkeeper with composure.
Allende’s goal marked his fourth consecutive game on the scoresheet, underlining his exceptional form. The 24-year-old Argentine has proven to be a valuable asset to Mascherano’s team, adapting well to the tactical demands of the squad. IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets His ability to perform under pressure has made him a fan favorite and a crucial player for Miami’s attacking force.
Defensive Resilience and Tactical Adjustments
Following the goal, Inter Miami shifted their focus to maintaining their defensive solidity. Mascherano’s tactical adjustments included bolstering the midfield with extra defensive reinforcements, ensuring that Charlotte FC found it difficult to create clear-cut chances.
The defense, led by Ian Fray and Sergio Busquets operating as a deep-lying playmaker, successfully absorbed the attacking pressure. Busquets’ experience proved invaluable, as he orchestrated play from the back, helping Miami control possession despite their numerical disadvantage.
Drake Callender, who replaced Ustari between the posts, delivered a standout performance, making a series of crucial saves to deny Charlotte FC an equalizer. His calm presence and shot-stopping abilities ensured that Miami held onto their slender lead until the final whistle.
Fan Reactions and Post-Match Discussions
While Miami’s victory was celebrated by players and fans alike, the absence of Messi remained a contentious topic. Many supporters expressed their frustration over not seeing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in action, especially since Miami had the opportunity to introduce him late in the match.
Social media was flooded with mixed reactions, with some fans defending Mascherano’s decision to rest Messi, while others questioned why he was even included in the squad if he wasn’t going to play.
MLS pundits also weighed in on the matter. Former USMNT captain Alexi Lalas commented, “It’s a tough situation for Mascherano. You want to win games and keep your best player fresh for the bigger challenges ahead, but you also have a responsibility to the fans. Messi’s presence alone draws massive crowds, and people want to see him play.”
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
With this hard-earned victory, Inter Miami now moves to second place in the MLS standings with seven points from their opening three matches. The team’s focus will now shift towards their next fixture, where they face a challenging opponent in the MLS and also prepare for their upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup commitments.
The management of Messi’s minutes will continue to be a key topic, as Miami aims to balance squad rotation while ensuring the Argentine legend remains in peak condition for the decisive games later in the season.
Mascherano reiterated post-match that Messi will be gradually reintegrated into the squad, with the expectation that he will feature prominently in Miami’s next game.
“We will assess him in training and make a decision,” Mascherano said. “We know he wants to play every match, but we have to be smart about how we use him.”
Conclusion: A Test of Depth and Mentality
Inter Miami’s victory over Charlotte FC, achieved despite adversity, showcased the team’s growing depth and resilience. IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets The ability to grind out a win with ten men highlights the tactical discipline instilled by Mascherano, as well as the squad’s determination to compete at the highest level.
While the Messi debate will continue to dominate headlines, the performance of players like Allende, Suárez, and Callender should not go unnoticed. IND vs NZ highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Final Score: India beats New Zealand by four wickets Their contributions were pivotal in securing the victory and maintaining Miami’s strong start to the season.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on managing Messi’s workload while ensuring Miami remains competitive on multiple fronts. For now, the team can take pride in a well-earned three points, knowing that tougher challenges lie ahead.
