FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After being knocked down by two defenders, Lionel Messi lay on the ground, hands raised in disbelief. Just one minute later, Luis Suarez missed an opportunity to score from right in front of the goal, which could have given Inter Miami a win.

Messi persisted in taking shot after shot—10 out of Inter Miami’s 20 attempts—until one finally found the back of the net. His goal in the 67th minute and a celebratory “Iron Man” gesture directed towards his children in the stands helped secure a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC on Saturday night, keeping Inter Miami in the lead for the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Despite his goal, Messi remained frustrated, arguing with the referees and receiving a yellow card as the match concluded after a last sequence involving the ball. The Argentine World Cup champion, now 37, seemed displeased after being tripped during a run towards the goal.

Nonetheless, Messi delivered a solid performance just four games after returning from injury, as he continues to regain his form ahead of the upcoming MLS playoffs.

Next up, Inter Miami faces off against the Columbus Crew, the current MLS champions, on Wednesday in a match that could be crucial for winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield. A victory would mark Inter Miami’s second title since Messi joined the team, following their Leagues Cup victory last year, and secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.

“I wish this were a 34-match tournament where the team with the most points wins the championship,” said Inter Miami coach Tata Martino after the match. “We would feel great about being recognized as the best team of the regular season. However, it would feel quite empty if we don’t compete for the championship itself.”

“Yes, Wednesday’s game (against Columbus) is very important, but our remaining matches against Toronto and New England will also be critical. I believe we will be competing until the very last match day.”

Following the draw, Inter Miami holds 65 points in the MLS standings and requires seven more points in their last three games to take the regular season title. The LA Galaxy rests at 58 points, with Columbus following closely at 57, and FC Cincinnati at 56 points after Saturday’s matches.

This match was Messi’s fourth since returning from an ankle injury that kept him out of action for 2½ months during the summer due to the Copa America.

Coach Martino emphasized the importance of match time for Messi to regain his peak performance before the playoffs, believing that he will improve through competitive games in the coming month.

“Leo will continue to get better as he plays more minutes,” Martino said. “He doesn’t need to undertake special physical training, but he does require match rhythm. I’m confident he will be ready for the playoffs, especially with upcoming games for both our team and the Argentine national team. We are optimistic that he will arrive in great condition for the playoffs.”

Before the playoffs begin, Messi will have five more games: the last three with Inter Miami and two World Cup qualifying matches with Argentina.

After the match against Columbus, Inter Miami will visit Toronto next Saturday. Messi will travel with Argentina for a game in Venezuela on October 10, followed by a home match against Bolivia on October 15. Finally, Inter Miami will conclude their regular season against the New England Revolution on October 19.

If Inter Miami wins all their remaining games, they will end with 74 points, setting a new record and surpassing the previous 73-point record achieved by the Revolution in 2021.

No penalty awarded to Inter Miami: Inter Miami 1, Charlotte 1

Following a VAR review, it was established that the Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda’s foot, not his hand, made contact with the ball during a challenge against Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez.

This decision denied Inter Miami, and Messi, the opportunity for a crucial penalty kick.

Lionel Messi scores: Inter Miami 1, Charlotte 1

Messi, after consistently attempting to score throughout the match, finally found success with a left-footed shot that slipped into the lower left corner of the net, equalizing the game in the 67th minute.

Messi misses a header attempt: Charlotte 1, Inter Miami 0

Engaging in a flurry of aggressive dribbling, Messi was unable to convert a close-range header from Jordi Alba as he stood right in front of the net.

Karol Świderski scores: Charlotte 1, Inter Miami 0

Charlotte’s Karol Świderski fired a pass through the center of the goal past Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, giving Charlotte a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute of the match.

Messi’s shot saved in the 51st minute: Inter Miami 0, Charlotte 0

Messi showed visible frustration after his latest attempt, a left-foot shot from the penalty area that was blocked by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

Messi’s near miss in the 36th minute: Inter Miami 0, Charlotte 0

Messi’s left-footed shot seemed promising but ultimately went just wide of the right side of the goal in the 36th minute.

Luis Suarez misses shot wide right in 34’: Inter Miami 0, Charlotte 0

Lionel Messi made an impressive pass to Luis Suarez, who failed to score using his right foot in the 34th minute. Inter Miami has started strong with several offensive plays but hasn’t managed to find the net yet.

Lionel Messi misses shot toward net in 8’: Inter Miami 0, Charlotte 0

Messi made a direct run towards the goal, but he couldn’t generate enough force with his left foot, leading to a save by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC live stream?

Inter Miami’s match against Charlotte FC kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina) and will be available for streaming on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV.

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is set to play for Inter Miami in tonight’s game against Charlotte FC.

Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC starting lineups

Messi is included in the starting lineup for Inter Miami tonight. Below are the starting lineups for both teams:

Messi to play with Argentina in October

Martino has indicated that Messi will join the Argentina national team for two matches in October during the FIFA international window.

Argentina will play against Venezuela on October 10 at 5 p.m. ET, and will host Bolivia on October 15 at 8 p.m. ET.

This will be Messi’s first appearance with the national team since he helped them secure their second consecutive Copa America title earlier this summer.

Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew match on Wednesday

Before rejoining the national team, Messi will aim to lead Inter Miami to victory in their next two matches, first against Charlotte and then against Columbus Crew on Wednesday.

Inter Miami, the champions of the 2023 Leagues Cup, may have a strategic advantage, with the Columbus Crew playing their fifth match in two weeks.

The Crew faced Club America last Wednesday and lost in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at home during the Campeones Cup, a matchup between the current MLS and Liga MX champions.

Columbus also visited the White House to celebrate their victory in the 2023 MLS Cup, and they will compete against D.C. United this Saturday night.

Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami and Argentina

• Today: Inter Miami vs. Charlotte
• Wednesday: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew
• Oct. 5: Toronto vs. Inter Miami
• Oct. 10: Venezuela vs. Argentina
• Oct. 15: Argentina vs. Bolivia
• Oct. 19: Inter Miami vs. New England Revolution