“What a dream” - Charlotte FC star hails Lionel Messi as 'GOAT' after shirt exchange moment in MLS
Charlotte FC winger Leil Abada has hailed Lionel Messi as the 'GOAT' after posting a shirt exchange moment with the Inter Miami superstar on Instagram. The Argentine bagged his 15th goal of the league season to help Inter Miami secure a point in their 1-1 draw with Charlotte FC at the Chase Stadium on Saturday, September 28.
Charlotte FC took the lead through Karol Swiderski in the 57th minute. However, Messi equalized for the hosts 10 minutes later, scoring with a left-footed curler from just outside the penalty box.
After the equalizer, Inter Miami started attacking incessantly, hoping to score a late winner. However, they were wasteful with the finishing, with Luis Suarez firing the ball over the crossbar from yards outside the goal deep into stoppage time.
After the game, Israel winger Liel Abada exchanged jerseys with Lionel Messi and posted about the moment on Instagram. The 22-year-old captioned it:
"Thank you GOAT. What a dream."
It was the third consecutive draw for Inter Miami, who have 65 points from 31 games. The Herons will still need eight more in the last three league games to equal New England's record for the most points scored in a single MLS season. They reached 73 points by the end of the 2021 season.
Tata Martino rues missed opportunities after Lionel Messi's Inter Miami drop points against Charlotte FC
Inter Miami boss Tata Martino talked about his side's inability to capitalize on Charlotte FC's mistakes after the Herons drew 1-1 at home on Saturday. Martino spoke to the club's media after the game. stressing on the missed chances. However, he inferred Inter Miami had no regrets and would continue to strive forward.
"The search was always ours, and the truth is we missed too many goals. We got very little in return for what we did. The story continues, there are fewer games left. It's a shame we couldn't take advantage of Columbus Crew's draw in Washington, but we have no regrets," he said.
Inter Miami dominated on possession (60%) and xG (2.99 against Charlotte FC's 1.42). They registered 21 shots and created four big chances in the game, but failed to capitalize in the final third of the pitch.
Columbus Crew are currently second on the MLS Eastern Conference table with 57 points in 30 games. Their last game ended in a 2-2 stalemate against DC United, but Lionel Messi's side failed to take advantage of the Crew dropping points.
Inter Miami and Columbus Crew will lock horns at Lower.com Field on Wednesday, October 2.