Suarez double spoils Lewandowski’s MLS debut as Inter Miami edge Chicago Fire

Luis Suarez struck twice to ruin Robert Lewandowski’s first appearance in Major League Soccer, as Inter Miami claimed a 3-2 win over Chicago Fire and tightened their grip near the top of the Eastern Conference.

The Uruguayan marked his 100th game for Inter Miami in style, converting a first-half penalty before adding a second after the interval to restore Miami’s lead in a frenetic match in Florida.

The result overshadowed the long-awaited MLS debut of Lewandowski, who joined Chicago Fire this summer after leaving Barcelona but endured a subdued first outing and was withdrawn after an hour.

Lionel Messi was absent for Inter Miami, remaining in Argentina for rest after his World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Suarez hits landmark as Miami stay in title hunt

Suarez, 37, used his milestone appearance to decisive effect. He opened the scoring from the spot in the first half, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, and then made it 2-1 in the second period with a close-range finish.

His brace helped Miami stay second in the Eastern Conference on 34 points, now eight clear of third-placed Chicago Fire on 26.

The veteran forward’s performance underlined his continued influence in MLS, particularly on a night when Miami were without Messi and needed another senior figure to carry the attacking burden.

Nightmare start for Chicago as own goal stuns visitors

Lewandowski’s first minutes in MLS were marked by chaos at the other end of the pitch.

Any doubts the Polish striker may have had about the frantic, high-tempo nature of the league were dispelled inside the opening 15 minutes. A routine back-pass from an Inter Miami defender to goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo – making just his second start of the season – turned into a calamity when the keeper miscontrolled and sliced his attempted clearance straight into his own net.

The bizarre own goal gave Chicago an early advantage and briefly silenced the home crowd. But Miami regrouped, equalising through Suarez’s penalty before the break and then retaking the lead after half-time.

Chicago did respond in the second half, drawing level and threatening a third goal as momentum swung their way. However, the decisive blow came late from Miami’s academy product Preston Plambeck, who struck in the 85th minute to secure all three points for the hosts.

Lewandowski struggles to adapt to MLS pace

Lewandowski, who turns 38 in August, could not stamp his authority on the game and appeared some way short of his influential best from his Barcelona days.

The former Bayern Munich and Barca star looked uncomfortable with what appeared to be a faster, more unpredictable rhythm than he is used to in Europe’s top leagues. At times visibly frustrated, he repeatedly gestured to his team-mates, urging them to calm down and favour short passes over hopeful long balls and relentless running.

Chicago’s coaching staff substituted him after around 60 minutes, with the striker still searching for his first clear-cut chance in MLS.

Lewandowski must now wait until 1 August to make his home debut in front of Chicago Fire’s supporters. Before that, he will again be on the road as Fire travel to face New York City FC on Saturday.

Griezmann and Casemiro headline MLS influx

Lewandowski is among a new wave of high-profile arrivals in MLS this summer.

French forward Antoine Griezmann has completed a move to Orlando City, adding another World Cup winner to the league’s attacking talent. Inter Miami, meanwhile, announced on Wednesday that they have signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, further bolstering a squad already featuring Messi and Suarez.

With multiple European stars arriving and Inter Miami maintaining their push near the top of the Eastern Conference even without Messi on the pitch, the league’s growing star power – and unpredictability – was on full display in a dramatic night that belonged to Suarez, not Lewandowski.