Inter Miami Rally to Defeat Chicago Fire 2-1, Messi Honored Before Match
In a thrilling encounter, Inter Miami came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire, thanks to a Jordi Alba stunner in the 77th minute. The win sees Inter Miami extend their lead at the top of the MLS table, while the Fire remain mid-table.
The match got off to a flying start, with Inter Miami’s Matías Rojas scoring his fourth goal of the season in the sixth minute. The 20-year-old midfielder was assisted by Robert Taylor, who picked up his fourth assist of the campaign, and defender Tomás Avilés, who snagged his first goal of the season.
The Fire, however, were not to be deterred, and Rafael Czichos equalized in the 75th minute, thanks to Gastón Giménez’s third assist of the season. The goal was Czichos’ first of the season and his sixth in three years in the league.
But Inter Miami had the final say, with Alba scoring the winner in the 77th minute. The defender’s left-footed shot from the left side of the box was unstoppable, and it proved to be the winner.
Despite the loss, the Fire had their moments, with Chris Brady making seven saves in goal. Drake Callender was equally impressive for Inter Miami, making four saves to keep the Fire at bay.
The win sees Inter Miami extend their lead at the top of the MLS table, and they will look to maintain their momentum when they host FC Cincinnati on August 24. The Fire, meanwhile, will travel to face New York City FC on the same day.
Before the match, Inter Miami honored their captain, Lionel Messi, who was absent due to a ligament injury to his right ankle. Messi, who was wearing a boot on his right foot, was honored on the field, and Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas praised the Argentine superstar.
"Tonight we celebrate something we have never seen before and possibly will never see again," Mas said. "Tonight we celebrate a great milestone of our captain Leo Messi in becoming the footballer who has lifted the most trophies in the history of this sport. And I am sure he won’t stop at 45; we hope he can lift many more in the future."
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