In a thrilling match on Sunday, Inter Miami CF showcased their resilience by defeating Charlotte FC 1-0 even after facing a tough challenge: playing with just ten players for most of the game. The hero of the day was new signing Tadeo Allende, who scored the winning goal just before halftime. This match took place at Chase Stadium, where the atmosphere was electric despite the setbacks.
The Red Card Incident
The drama began early in the first half when goalkeeper Oscar Ustari received a red card in the 35th minute. This happened after he committed a foul on opposing player Wilfried Zaha, which forced the team to adjust its strategy. Coach Javier Mascherano was quick to substitute, bringing in a backup keeper to try to maintain the team’s lead, even though they were now one player down.
A Heroic Performance
Despite the red card setback, Inter Miami showed incredible teamwork and determination. Tadeo Allende, the Argentine forward, became the star of the match by scoring right at the beginning of the second half, boosting the team’s spirits and giving them a much-needed edge. Coach Mascherano praised his team’s spirit, clearly impressed with how they managed to secure a win despite being undermanned.
Messi’s Strategic Absence
Interestingly, Lionel Messi did not play in this match. The star player was kept on the bench due to what the coach called ‘load management.’ With a packed schedule ahead, Mascherano felt it was essential to preserve Messi’s energy for future matches, especially with the Concacaf Champions Cup approaching. It’s a decision that many fans were talking about, especially given Messi’s huge popularity.
Disciplinary Measures for Ustari
Following Ustari’s red card, the MLS Disciplinary Committee took action and issued a fine against him for not leaving the field promptly after receiving the card. This incident took place during the match on March 9, against Charlotte FC, and while the fine’s exact amount has not been disclosed, it added another layer of drama to an already intense game. Quick exits are crucial in professional sports, and this reminder may help Ustari in the future.
Maintaining an Undefeated Streak
With this victory, Inter Miami remains undefeated this season, continuing to build on their incredible performance. Their next challenge will be against Cavalier FC in Jamaica for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they will aim to keep their winning streak alive. The team is certainly proving itself capable of overcoming challenges, even with unexpected twists like the one Ustari created during this match.
Oscar Ustari’s Legacy
Despite the ups and downs, Oscar Ustari’s journey with Inter Miami has been impressive. He was re-signed through the 2025 MLS season, adding depth to the team’s lineup. This experienced goalkeeper, who has played in top leagues in Europe and South America, has a rich history, including winning titles with Messi during their youth career. Fans are hoping that he can turn things around and lead the team with stronger performances in the games ahead, even while learning from this recent incident.
