Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Lionel Messi watched from the bench as 10-man Inter Miami beat Charlotte FC 1-0 on Sunday in Major League Soccer.
After goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was sent out in the 38th minute, coach Javier Mascherano did not employ the Argentine as Miami played mostly defense. Messi missed his third consecutive game for Miami, missing the 4-1 MLS win in Houston and the 2-0 CONCACAF Champions Cup first-leg win over Jamaica’s Cavalier on Thursday.
While his absence has disappointed fans, Mascherano says he is managing the 37-year-old World Cup winner’s workload. Miami has not suffered on the field. Charlotte, led by former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, were the better team but couldn’t convert their possession into goals.
The visitors showed early signs of their threats, with former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha displaying skill on the left and Israeli winger Liel Abada showing speed on the opposite wing.
Miami were struggling with Ashley Westwood controlling play in midfield for North Carolina, and Ustari was sent off for rushing off his line and bringing down Zaha. After a scoreless halftime, Miami scored a beautiful goal seconds later.
Tadeo Allende back-heeled to Luis Suarez, who chested down and buried a return chip into the bottom corner. Allende, on loan from Celta Vigo to Miami, scored his fourth goal this season in all competitions. Miami sat deep and in numbers to defend their lead, frustrating Charlotte, who attempted 13 corners.
