Suárez Brace Lifts Inter Miami Past Chicago in Lewandowski’s MLS Debut

Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire on Wednesday, with Luis Suárez scoring twice before academy graduate Preston Plambeck netted a late winner in a thrilling Major League Soccer encounter.

The result overshadowed the MLS debut of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who recently joined Chicago Fire. The former Barcelona forward started the match and featured for 63 minutes, admitting afterwards that he would need more time to fully adapt to his new team.

Chicago took the lead in the 18th minute after an unfortunate own goal by Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, who misjudged a back pass that rolled into the net.

Miami responded through Suárez, who converted a penalty before adding his second early in the second half after finishing a clever assist from Germán Berterame.

Chicago levelled the score in the 67th minute through Puso Dithejane, but Plambeck sealed all three points for Miami three minutes from full time, firing home after Suárez’s initial effort was saved.

Inter Miami were without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were rested following Argentina’s appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos said both players would return only when fully recovered from the physical and mental demands of the tournament.

The victory lifts Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference standings on 34 points, five behind leaders Nashville.

#UTVAfrica#