Before their match against Chicago Fire, Inter Miami honored Lionel Messi with a special ceremony recognizing his latest achievement—the 2024 Conmebol Copa America. This title marked Messi’s 45th career trophy, the most by any player in football history.
During the event, Messi was greeted on the pitch by child mascots holding plaques representing each of his honors. The ceremony highlighted Messi’s remarkable career and featured a semi-circle of plaques on the field, prominently displaying the number 45.
Messi’s Injury and Impact on the Game
Messi, who recently helped secure his third major international tournament victory with Argentina, is currently sidelined with a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa America final. Despite Messi’s emotional departure from the final against Colombia, where he was replaced in the 60th minute and later seen in tears, Argentina won the tournament with a late extra-time goal by Lautaro Martinez.
Match Summary: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire
Following the tribute, Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire in a thrilling MLS encounter. The home side took an early lead in the sixth minute when a long pass from center back Avilés set up Taylor on the left. Taylor’s pass found Rojas, whose left-footed shot put Inter Miami ahead 1-0. This goal was Rojas’ fourth of the season, with Taylor recording his fourth assist.
Inter Miami dominated the first half, nearly doubling their lead in added time when Gressel’s shot struck the crossbar. The match went into halftime with a 1-0 lead for the hosts.
In the second half, Chicago Fire equalized in the 73rd minute through defender Rafael Czichos. However, Inter Miami quickly regained the lead with a goal from left back Alba, who capitalized on a mistake by the Chicago goalkeeper to score. Alba’s goal, his fourth of the MLS season, secured the 2-1 win for Inter Miami.
The victory allowed Inter Miami to claim all three points and maintain their position at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, marking their second consecutive win at Chase Stadium.
