Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were humbled again on Saturday, losing 3-0 to Charlotte in an MLS match as 21-year-old Israeli striker Idan Toklomati delivered a sensational hat trick before more than 35,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium.
Messi had the chance to put Miami ahead in the 32nd minute after being fouled in the box, but the Argentine World Cup winner missed from the spot, attempting a chip that was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. From there, the match belonged to Toklomati.
The former Maccabi Petah Tikva forward opened the scoring two minutes later, slotting home after a setup from Kerwin Vargas. Early in the second half, Toklomati doubled Charlotte’s lead with a close-range finish off a precise cross from Brandt Bronico.
In the 79th minute, Toklomati forced a yellow card on Miami’s Tomás Avilés, reducing Messi’s side to 10 men. Just five minutes later, he completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after Sergio Busquets conceded a foul in the box. Veteran forward Enzo Copetti handed him the ball, giving the young Israeli the honor of sealing the victory.
The loss marked Miami’s second consecutive 3-0 defeat, following last week’s Leagues Cup final loss to Seattle. Charlotte, meanwhile, celebrated a ninth straight MLS win — a club record — and is on the brink of clinching a playoff berth with four games remaining in the regular season. Toklomati has scored seven goals and provided two assists during the streak.
Fellow Israeli Liel Abada came off the bench for Charlotte in the 82nd minute.
In other MLS action, New England, featuring right back Ilay Feingold but missing Dor Turgeman, drew 1-1 at home with Toronto. Feingold played the full 90 minutes and was involved in the Canadian side’s 75th-minute equalizer by Theodore Corbeanu.
Meanwhile, Tai Baribo and Philadelphia suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Vancouver, where Thomas Müller scored twice. Baribo entered as a substitute at halftime.