Miami: Inter Miami managed to overcome a bizarre defensive mishap and the absence of Lionel Messi to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire, spoiling Robert Lewandowski’s much-anticipated MLS debut.

Playing their first fixture following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, the Herons found themselves behind early in the match due to a comical own goal in the 18th minute. Miami left-back Ian Fray played a routine, slow-rolling backpass to goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo. However, the Argentine shot-stopper completely miscued his attempted first-touch clearance, watching in horror as the ball slipped past his foot and rolled directly into the back of his own net.

The bizarre error handed Chicago a 1-0 advantage at a packed stadium in Florida, testing Miami's resilience without their talismanic captain. Fortunately for the hosts, temporary captain Luis Suárez stepped up to lead the recovery. Suárez equalised from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after David Ruiz was brought down inside the area.

Despite falling behind again later in the match, Inter Miami rallied. Suárez added a second goal shortly after half-time, before substitute Preston Plambeck secured all three points with a late strike in the 87th minute.

While Ríos Novo's costly miscue will undoubtedly feature prominently on season highlight reels for all the wrong reasons, the final whistle confirmed a vital win for Miami, proving they could weather both early self-inflicted disasters and the absence of their World Cup stars.