Inter Miami returned to Major League Soccer action with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Chicago Fire, as Luis Suárez scored twice and academy graduate Preston Plambeck netted a late winner to spoil Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited MLS debut. The entertaining encounter at Nu Stadium extended Miami’s winning streak to five league matches despite the absence of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were rested following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Chicago Fire struck first in the 18th minute after a costly error by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, whose attempt to control a back pass resulted in an own goal. Miami responded nine minutes later when Suárez calmly converted a penalty after David Ruiz was fouled inside the box, sending the teams into halftime level at 1–1.
Suárez put the hosts ahead early in the second half, finishing off a well-worked move after combining brilliantly with Germán Berterame. Chicago, however, fought back through substitute Puso Dithejane, who equalised shortly after coming on. With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Suárez forced a save from goalkeeper Chris Brady, allowing Plambeck to pounce on the rebound and score the decisive goal in the 87th minute—his first for Inter Miami’s senior team.
Lewandowski, who recently joined Chicago Fire after an illustrious career in Europe, made his first MLS appearance following the postponement of his expected debut due to poor air quality in Chicago. The Polish striker played 62 minutes, managing one shot and a handful of touches in the penalty area, but was unable to inspire his side to victory.
The victory lifted Inter Miami to second place in the overall MLS standings and highlighted the squad’s depth in the absence of Messi. Suárez, who has now scored five goals across his last two league matches, once again proved decisive, while Plambeck’s late strike ensured Lewandowski’s highly anticipated debut ended in disappointment for Chicago Fire.
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