Inter Miami Edge Chicago Fire 3-2 as Suarez Shines in Lewandowski’s MLS Debut

Inter Miami overcame the absence of Lionel Messi to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire, with Luis Suarez scoring twice and academy graduate Preston Plambeck netting a dramatic late winner.

The result overshadowed the much-anticipated MLS debut of Robert Lewandowski, who recently joined Chicago Fire after leaving Spanish champions Barcelona.

Lewandowski featured for 63 minutes and acknowledged that adapting to his new club will take time.

“After just two days with my new team, I didn’t expect everything to work perfectly in my first game,” the Polish striker said.

“I also need a bit more time… If we defend better, we can win this match next time.”

Miami were also without Rodrigo De Paul, with both Argentines resting following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.

Chicago took an early lead when goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo failed to clear a back pass, allowing the ball to roll into his own net.

Suarez equalised from the penalty spot before firing Miami into the lead early in the second half after a neat assist from German Berterame.

The Fire levelled again through Puso Dithejane in the 67th minute, but substitute Preston Plambeck sealed victory three minutes from time, scoring his first senior goal for Inter Miami after Chris Brady parried Suarez’s effort.

The win lifted Miami to 34 points, keeping them second in the Eastern Conference, five points behind Nashville.

Following the match, head coach Guillermo Hoyos insisted the club would not rush the return of Messi and De Paul.

“A World Cup is something immense, and there’s physical and mental wear and tear, and they deserve their space,” Hoyos said.

“We’ll be waiting for them whenever they can come back and are in the right condition to be here.”

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