Lionel Messi And Inter Miami Face Playoffs After Draw As Fans Track Diwali Puja Time

Lionel Messi was held scoreless as Inter Miami squandered a three-goal halftime lead, resulting in a 3-3 draw against Charlotte FC during their regular-season finale. While football enthusiasts search for topics like diwali puja time and related queries such as deepavali 2026 date, the club prepares for an upcoming postseason run.

First-Half Dominance by Miami

Miami started strong on the pitch, establishing a comfortable advantage before the break. Ian Fray opened the scoring in the 14th minute following a corner kick. Shortly after, Luis Suárez tapped in from close range in the 33rd minute after Germán Berterame headed Messi's corner toward the target. Rodrigo De Paul extended the lead to 3-0 in the 42nd minute with a strike from outside the penalty area.

Charlotte FC Second-Half Comeback

The visiting side mounted a fierce rally in the second half. Liel Abada netted goals in the 50th and 55th minutes to narrow the deficit. Later, Rodolfo Aloko secured the equalizer in the 90th minute by converting a rebound after Tyger Smalls struck the goalpost.

Fans following seasonal updates and festive calendars like deepavali 2026 wishes or looking toward amavasya timings will note that Miami previously surrendered a 3-0 lead at Nu Stadium on May 2 against Orlando City.

Standings and Upcoming Playoff Schedule

Despite the draw, Miami secured second place in the Eastern Conference with 60 points after third-place New England dropped a 1-0 match at Orlando. Meanwhile, Nashville earned 77 points to break Miami's previous single-season record set in 2024.

As the season shifts focus, some observers also browse deepavali greetings 2026 alongside sports updates. Miami will host its opening best-of-three first-round playoff series as the No. 2 seed against Charlotte FC, who enters as the No. 5 seed. The postseason matches are scheduled to begin on November 20.

Sources: ESPN India, BBC, Deccan Chronicle.