Suarez Brace, Plambeck Winner Help Miami Beat Chicago Fire 3-2

Inter Miami secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer on Wednesday despite the absence of Lionel Messi, with Luis Suarez scoring twice and academy graduate Preston Plambeck netting a late winner. The result overshadowed the highly anticipated MLS debut of Robert Lewandowski, who made his first appearance for Chicago Fire after joining the club from Barcelona. Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul were unavailable for the match, having recently featured in Argentina's FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Lewandowski, one of the most prolific strikers of his generation with more than 700 career goals for club and country, started the match and played 63 minutes. The Polish forward came close to opening his MLS account early in the game, but his effort was blocked before Chicago took the lead in unusual fashion. Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, starting in place of Canada's Dayne St. Clair, misjudged a routine back pass from Ian Fray, allowing the ball to roll into his own net for an own goal in the 18th minute.

Inter Miami responded through veteran striker Luis Suarez, who equalised from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before putting his side ahead early in the second half after finishing a move created by German Berterame's backheel assist. Chicago levelled the contest in the 67th minute through Puso Dithejane, setting up a tense finish. However, 20-year-old Preston Plambeck, a product of Inter Miami's youth academy, emerged as the match-winner by converting the rebound after Suarez's effort had been saved, scoring his first senior goal for the club in the 87th minute.

Also Read: FIFA’s World Cup 2026 Team Creates Buzz With Kane Exclusion, Cape Verde Inclusion

The victory provided a timely boost for Inter Miami as they continued their MLS campaign without several key players. While Lewandowski's debut ended in defeat, the experienced striker showed glimpses of his quality and is expected to play a central role in Chicago Fire's attack as the season progresses. For Inter Miami, Suarez's leadership and clinical finishing, combined with Plambeck's decisive contribution, ensured the club secured all three points in an entertaining contest.

Also Read: Mirabai Chanu Aims For Commonwealth Games Gold Hat-Trick After Strong Return