“Inter Miami Edge Chicago Fire 3–2 as Luis Suárez Spoils Robert Lewandowski’s MLS Debut”

“Inter Miami Edge Chicago Fire 3–2 as Luis Suárez Spoils Robert Lewandowski’s MLS Debut”

Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Chicago Fire on Wednesday, July 22, with Luis Suárez scoring twice to overshadow Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited Major League Soccer debut.

The result marked a dramatic return to MLS action following the league’s break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Inter Miami managing to claim all three points despite playing without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were given time off after Argentina’s run to the World Cup final.

Chicago Fire took an early lead after an own goal by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. Suárez responded for the hosts, however, scoring twice to put Inter Miami in control and underline his continued importance to the club’s attack.

Chicago later levelled the contest through Puso Dithejane, setting up a tense finish. Inter Miami ultimately secured the win in the 87th minute when Preston Plambeck struck late to make it 3–2.

The match also marked Lewandowski’s MLS debut after the Polish striker joined Chicago Fire following a distinguished European career that included spells with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. The 37 year old started the match and played 62 minutes, but was unable to prevent Chicago from suffering defeat.

Despite the loss, Lewandowski’s arrival is expected to add significant experience and attacking quality to the Chicago Fire squad, while his first MLS appearance adds another high profile name to a league that has continued to attract some of world football’s biggest stars.

For Inter Miami, the victory demonstrated the club’s attacking depth and resilience in the absence of key players. Suárez’s brace and Plambeck’s late winner ensured that the Florida side began its post World Cup MLS campaign with an important victory.

The 3–2 result also added another chapter to the growing list of high profile encounters shaping Major League Soccer’s expanding global profile.