Inter Miami endured another night to forget as Lionel Messi’s missed penalty proved costly in a 3-0 defeat to Charlotte FC.
The side has now extended their winning streak to nine games to equal a Major League Soccer record.
With Luis Suárez suspended, Miami lacked their usual attacking edge, and Charlotte took full advantage through Idan Toklomati, who delivered a hat trick to condemn the Herons to back-to-back heavy losses.
Penalty miss helps Charlotte breakthrough
Miami began brightly, pressing higher than usual and carving out early openings.
Jordi Alba tested Kristijan Kahlina with a close-range effort inside the opening minutes, before Messi earned the chance to put his side in front from the spot on the half-hour mark.
However, the 38-year-old’s attempted Panenka was comfortably saved by Kahlina, and Charlotte immediately punished the miss.
Just seconds later, Toklomati finished off a quick counterattack to fire the home side into the lead.
Toklomati steals the show
Charlotte doubled their advantage early in the second half when Wilfried Zaha cut inside from the wing and squared for Toklomati, who calmly slotted past Drake Callender for his second of the game.
The Israeli forward completed his hat trick in the 84th minute after Zaha drew a foul from Sergio Busquets in the box.
Instead of taking the penalty himself, the former Crystal Palace star handed the ball to Toklomati, who made no mistake from the spot to round off a memorable night.
Miami’s struggles continue
The defeat leaves Inter Miami winless in three of their last four matches, raising questions about their ability to cope without Suárez.
Messi, meanwhile, endured a subdued evening after his missed penalty, with Charlotte’s defence limiting his usual influence in open play.