In a match that generated great expectation due to the presence of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami was held to a 0-0 draw on Sunday against Chicago Fire, as part of Matchday 8 of the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season.
The match was played at Chicago’s imposing Soldier Field in front of more than 62,000 fans – a record number for the home club this season – who gathered to see the Argentine star and his internationally renowned teammates in action.
A goalless draw, but with a taste of attrition
Although the scoreboard remained blank, the duel was not without intensity. The team led by Javier Mascherano -also Argentine and Messi’s former teammate in the national team- showed defensive solidity, but lacked depth in attack.
Inter Miami lined up from the start with their luxury trident: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, while Jordi Alba came on in the second half.
Despite the talent on the field, the team was unable to break through the Chicago Fire, who were compact and tactically disciplined.
How does Inter Miami rank in the table?
With this draw, Inter Miami has 15 points and is in third place in the Eastern Conference, behind Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati, who have 16 points each.
However, the pink team has a game in hand, which allows them to maintain high expectations in the race for the lead.
The team also remains undefeated in MLS 2025, with a record of four wins and three draws in seven games, showing solid consistency at this early stage of the season.
Messi after a great effort in Concachampions
This result comes just days after a demanding CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal match.
Inter Miami defeated LAFC 3-1, including a Messi brace, to secure their place in the semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate score.
That recent effort may have affected the team’s physical performance against the Chicago Fire, something Mascherano himself acknowledged in a post-match press conference.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
The South Florida club now prepares to face Orlando City next weekend, in a key match to maintain their undefeated streak and move closer to the top of their conference.
They are also looking forward to their next commitment in the Concachampions, where they will seek to make history in their first major international tournament as a franchise.
For U.S. Hispanic fans, Inter Miami represents not only a competitive team, but also a cultural and sporting phenomenon, thanks to the presence of stars such as Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba, who continue to draw crowds and elevate MLS.
The recent effort in the Concacaf Champions League could have influenced Inter Miami's physical performance against the Chicago Fire
QueOnnda.com
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