Lewandowski’s MLS Debut Ends in Defeat as Suárez Inspires Inter Miami

Robert Lewandowski's Major League Soccer career began with defeat as his new club, Chicago Fire, fell 3-2 to Inter Miami in a match that saw Lionel Messi absent, while veteran striker Luis Suárez produced a match-winning performance to guide the home side to a valuable victory.

Messi, who returned only days earlier from Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, was left out of Inter Miami's squad alongside Rodrigo De Paul after the coaching staff granted both players additional time to recover physically and mentally following their international commitments.

Despite the absence of two of their biggest stars, Inter Miami claimed all three points thanks largely to the experience of Suárez, whose outstanding display inspired his side's comeback victory and helped maintain their strong position in the Eastern Conference.

On the opposite side, Lewandowski made his official MLS debut after joining Chicago Fire from Barcelona, shortly after helping the Catalan club win the La Liga title. The Polish striker started the match and played 63 minutes as he began adapting to his new team and life in American soccer.

Lewandowski arrived in MLS with an extraordinary goalscoring record, having surpassed 700 career goals for club and country. His remarkable résumé includes his prolific years with Bayern Munich between 2014 and 2022 before his move to Barcelona.

Chicago Fire made the brighter start and took the lead in the 18th minute when Inter Miami defender Rocco Novo Rios inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving the visitors an early advantage.

The hosts responded quickly, however. Suárez equalized from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before putting Inter Miami ahead early in the second half with his second goal in the 51st minute, once again demonstrating his quality despite being in the latter stages of his career.

After Lewandowski was substituted, Chicago Fire found their way back into the contest through South African substitute Boso Detegiani, who scored the equalizer in the 67th minute to set up a tense finish.

Inter Miami ultimately had the final say as 20-year-old substitute Preston Mbambiek struck the winning goal three minutes before the end of normal time, completing a dramatic comeback and earning his side a crucial three points in front of their home supporters.

The victory lifted Inter Miami to 34 points in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, reducing the gap to leaders Nashville to five points as they continue their pursuit of top spot.