By Cameron Lee
October 22, 2023
Photo: Kurt Shackelford / CLTure
It was everything the Queen City hoped for when the week started. Charlotte FC entered the week ranked 12th in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a chance to earn their first playoff berth in only their second season in existence.
View this post on Instagram
Many soccer fans in the region have also been longing for a chance to see the greatest living soccer player (Lionel Messi) play in the Queen City since it was announced he signed with Inter Miami in mid-July. It wasn’t until Tuesday night we found out Messi would make the trip to Charlotte to play in the most meaningful game in Charlotte FC’s brief history. On one hand, many were elated to hear that Messi would be in the city, but on the other, it would most likely hinder The Crown in their quest to make their first MLS Cup Playoffs.
Wednesday night’s game didn’t make it easier on Charlotte FC as they entered Saturday night needing a win (and some help) to get in. Playing Inter Miami twice in four days due to their Leagues Cup matchup in the summer (when they lost 4-0 to Inter Miami), Charlotte FC picked up only one point in a draw Wednesday night. Setting up a critical game on Decision Day at Bank of America Stadium, it was win or go home scenario for The Crown.
While the Messi frenzy was evident in the city upon his arrival on Friday night– with many looking to catch a glimpse of the seven-time Ballon d’Or award-winner at the airport, hotel, and at the stadium– Messi and Inter Miami left the Queen City with a loss to end their season.
Line for Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami at 4:30 p.m. in anticipation for Lionel Messi and record-breaking attendance tonight in the must-win game for The Crown on Decision Day. #ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/aSv1FkJH0Z
— CLTure® ( culture ) (@CLTure) October 21, 2023
Fans lined up early at the gates of Bank of America Stadium on a brisk fall night with fervent, but apprehensive energy. While the sold-out game didn’t break the Charlotte FC home attendance record that many anticipated, with only 66,101 in attendance, it did culminate with the team’s first playoff bid.
It didn’t take long for fans to get their thrills. In the 13th minute, Kamil Jóźwiak gathered a deflected ball and made a pass to Kerwin Vargas who faked a shot with his right foot then smoothly switched to his left foot, firing the ball past Inter Miami goalkeeper CJ dos Santos. With his signature backflip celebration, the crowd erupted after the early-game goal. While that was all it took for The Crown to defeat the Messi-led Herons, it didn’t come without some drama and suspense.
A couple of Inter Miami goals were negated due to offsides calls, including one by Messi in the 48th minute. In the 62nd minute, Messi had another opportunity to tie the game with a free kick on the right side of the penalty box, grazing Enzo Coppeti’s head, and then deflected by goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina off the crossbar. Kahlina also made a remarkable save in the 90th minute from a header by Inter Miami’s Leonardo Campana. After two more corners for Inter Miami that led to a pair of shots on goal with another save by Kahlina and a superb block by midfielder Scott Arfield, The Crown secured the win and ultimately their first playoff berth. Ending the regular season with 43 points, Charlotte FC finished the season in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and will play the eighth seed New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night.
It was a special night for soccer fans who got to witness Messi play all 90 minutes on Saturday and watch the hometown team win a game to advance into the postseason. With a spectacular drone show at the half and intense energy throughout the match, it was a memorable day for sports in the city, which have been scarce in recent years.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Read next:
