Toklomati Hat-Trick Downs Inter Miami as Messi Misses Penalty

Charlotte FC delivered a resounding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, fueled by an Idan Toklomati hat-trick and a missed penalty by Lionel Messi. The match, played at the Bank of America Stadium, saw Miami struggle to maintain their footing, ultimately slipping further down the Eastern Conference standings.

The turning point arrived in the 32nd minute when Messi's attempted Panenka penalty went awry. The penalty was initially awarded after a VAR review. Shortly after, Toklomati capitalized, sweeping in a well-placed shot from Kerwin Vargas' cross, giving Charlotte a 1-0 lead.

Miami's woes deepened early in the second half. A sweeping move, initiated by Wilfried Zaha, saw Brandt Bronico setting up Toklomati for his second goal, extending Charlotte's advantage to 2-0. The visitors' frustration was further compounded when Tomas Aviles received a second yellow card in the 79th minute, reducing Miami to 10 men.

Toklomati completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Zaha was fouled in the box by Sergio Busquets, sealing Charlotte’s dominant performance.

Night, y’all.

See ya in the pic.twitter.com/ErVzX0zhS3

— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) September 14, 2025

Charlotte's victory not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted their impressive form as they chase a historic milestone. This win marks Charlotte's ninth consecutive MLS victory, equaling the league record for consecutive wins in a single season, previously set by the Seattle Sounders in 2018.

Dean Smith's team displayed their attacking threat. Charlotte recorded 2.37 expected goals (xG) from just 10 attempts. They now sit third in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Philadelphia Union by four points.

Looking ahead, Charlotte will aim for a record-breaking tenth straight win when they face New York City FC. A key element in their impressive run has been the consistent performance of Toklomati, who has contributed to at least one goal in eight of the nine matches during Charlotte's winning streak, including each of the last seven games.

Inter Miami, despite the presence of Lionel Messi, were unable to find a response to Charlotte's relentless attacks and now find themselves in a precarious position in the Eastern Conference standings. While their playoff destiny remains in their hands with two games in hand, their performance against Charlotte raises concerns about their ability to compete against the league's top teams.

The loss underscores the challenges faced by Inter Miami as they strive to integrate their star players and build a cohesive team capable of consistently delivering positive results. The missed penalty by Messi proved costly, and the subsequent red card further hampered their chances of mounting a comeback. The team will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to secure a playoff spot and contend for the MLS title.

For Charlotte, this victory serves as a statement of intent, solidifying their position as a genuine contender in the Eastern Conference. Their blend of attacking flair and solid defense has made them a formidable opponent, and they will be eager to continue their winning streak and make a deep run in the playoffs. The performance of Toklomati, in particular, will provide a major boost.

The game was physical, and both teams had to deal with a few tough tackles. The referee had to make some difficult decisions, especially regarding the penalty calls and the red card. These decisions impacted the flow of the game and contributed to the overall intensity of the match.

Looking forward, both teams have important games coming up. Charlotte will be looking to continue their winning streak, while Inter Miami will be desperate to bounce back and secure their place in the playoffs. The next few weeks will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the MLS season.