‘Unfortunate’ - Lionel Messi defended after terrible Panenka penalty in Inter Miami’s MLS defeat to Charlotte

There were 32 minutes on the clock when Inter Miami were awarded a spot-kick in Charlotte. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi stepped up and is usually the most reliable of options when it comes to holding his nerve from 12 yards.

World Cup winner Messi was, however, to clip a tame effort straight down the middle. Kahlina clearly read the Argentine’s intentions and decided not to dive. Instead, he stepped to his right and palmed the ball up into the air - before seeing it drop safely into his arms.

Messi has attracted some criticism for his questionable penalty technique, with Panenka efforts always looking terrible when they do not come off. He will, however, be facing no questions from those working alongside him in South Florida.

Mascherano told reporters: “If there is something we cannot be unfair about or criticise or hold against, it is the penalty. These are just in-game situations. Clearly, if there is someone who has helped us win throughout the whole season, it is Leo. He had that unfortunate play.”

Inter Miami fell behind less than two minutes after seeing Messi fluff his lines, with Idan Toklomati going on to hit a hat-trick for the hosts. Messi does not have to wait long to start righting a few wrongs, with the Herons due to be back in action against the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday.