Luis Suárez scored twice before academy product Preston Plambeck netted a dramatic late winner as Inter Miami claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire on Wednesday, overshadowing Robert Lewandowski’s Major League Soccer debut.
According to AFP, Inter Miami were without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were rested after featuring in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final four days earlier.
Lewandowski, who joined Chicago Fire from Barcelona following the Spanish club’s La Liga triumph, made his first appearance in MLS, starting the match before being substituted after 63 minutes.
“After just two days with my new team, I didn’t expect everything to work perfectly in my first game,” the Poland captain said.
“I also need a bit more time, and I’m sure that next time we’ll play with fewer mistakes than today in defence.
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“If we defend better, we can win this match next time.”
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Chicago Fire went ahead in the 18th minute after Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo failed to control a routine back pass from Ian Fray, allowing the ball to roll into his own net for an own goal.
Suárez restored parity from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before completing his brace six minutes into the second half by finishing off a clever backheel assist from Germán Berterame.
Puso Dithejane equalised for Chicago in the 67th minute, but Plambeck secured all three points for Miami in the 87th minute, volleying home the rebound after Chris Brady had pushed Suárez’s initial effort into his path.
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The victory lifted Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference with 34 points, five behind leaders Nashville.
Speaking after the match, Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos insisted there was no rush for Messi and De Paul to return to action.
“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.”
