With tonight’s draw, Inter Miami cut the gap on Nashville SC by just a single point after the conference leaders fell to Toronto FC earlier on Wednesday. The Florida club now sits on 44 points, nine points behind the Eastern Conference leader, as its realistic chances of contending for the Supporters’ Shield slip away, though the Herons remain on track to secure an MLS playoff spot.

Inter Miami’s primary goal remains claiming the Supporters’ Shield while mathematical possibilities endure, though the MLS postseason represents the most critical phase of the campaign. They still have nine matchdays left to achieve their objective.

Inter Miami’s draw featuring Messi’s contribution

Awaiting Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez to officially take charge of the squad in the coming days, Inter Miami endured a difficult start to the match. The Chicago Fire managed to open the scoring in the eighth minute through Lewandowski, who headed home a cross from the left wing to make it 1-0 with his seventh goal since arriving in MLS.

However, Inter Miami responded early in the second half with a goal generated by Messi‘s left foot. The Argentine star executed a corner kick to the penalty spot, where Casemiro rose to place a precise header off the right post, beating goalkeeper Christopher Brady.

Crucial matchup ahead for Inter Miami

Up next for Inter Miami is what stands as likely one of their most crucial fixtures of the season, offering a direct opportunity to close the gap and make up ground on Nashville.

Inter Miami will return to MLS action on Saturday, Sept. 12, when they face Nashville SC—the same club that handed them a 4-1 blowout just a few weeks ago.

2026 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings

1. Nashville – 53 points
2. Vancouver – 46 points (one game in hand)
3. Inter Miami – 44 points
4. Houston – 43 points
5. New England – 40 points

Inter Miami are coming off a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United in their last outing. Before that, they thrashed CF Montreal 7-1 and suffered a 1-2 defeat to Toronto. The Herons remain near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Messi did not score in the last match, but he netted four goals in the blowout win against Montreal, keeping him atop the league’s scoring chart with 18 goals.

The Chicago Fire enter the match on a seven-game unbeaten streak in MLS play. In their last appearance, they played to a 4-4 draw against Toronto, following a 2-2 draw against the Seattle Sounders and a 2-1 victory over Orlando City. The squad managed by Gregg Berhalter currently sits third in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

Hoyos is dealing with injury issues within the squad and will be without key players Tadeo Allende, Micael, Sergio Reguilon, Lujan, and Mateo Silvetti. As a result, the manager will have to get creative when building his starting XI.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Yannick Bright, Maximiliano Falcon, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Chicago Fire confirmed lineup

Gregg Berhalter also faces notable absences in his squad, with Mueller, Mbokazi, and Franco ruled out due to injury. Nevertheless, a great match is expected, led by Robert Lewandowski, whose magic remains intact.

Chicago Fire confirmed lineup: Christopher Brady; Jonatha Dean, Noah Allen, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman; Anton Jonsson Saletros, Dje D’Avilla, Maren Haile-Selassie, Robin Lod; Philip Zinckernagel, Robert Lewandowski.

How to watch Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami in the USA

Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami will be available to watch live in the United States on Apple TV. MLS moved all of its regular-season matches to Apple TV beginning in 2026, with every game included with a subscription at no additional cost.

Can I watch Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami for free?

New Apple TV subscribers can watch Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami through a 7-day free trial, which is currently offered by the platform before the subscription begins charging $14.99 per month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chicago Fire and Inter Miami meet in a major Eastern Conference battle at Soldier Field, with both teams sitting near the top of the standings and the playoff race becoming increasingly important.

Chicago enters the match in third place with 38 points from 22 games, while Inter Miami sits second and has a five-point advantage over the Fire heading into Wednesday’s matchup.

The Fire are also carrying considerable momentum into the game. Gregg Berhalter‘s team is unbeaten in its last six MLS matches, its longest unbeaten run since 2017. Chicago’s latest result was an entertaining 4-4 draw against Toronto FC on September 5, with Maren Haile-Selassie scoring twice and Robert Lewandowski contributing a goal and an assist.

That result extended Chicago’s unbeaten streak but also continued a pattern that has prevented the Fire from collecting more points. Chicago has dropped a combined 18 points after scoring first in MLS this season. Still, a victory against Miami would move the Fire to within two points of the Herons, making Wednesday’s game particularly valuable in the race for the top positions in the East.

Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami: Predicted Lineups

Chicago Fire (4-3-3): Chris Brady; Andrew Gutman, Jack Elliott, Sam Rogers, Jonathan Dean; Maren Haile-Selassie, Dje D’Avilla, Besard Saletros; Puso Dithejane, Robert Lewandowski, Philip Zinckernagel.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Fricio Caicedo, Maximiliano Falcon, Casemiro, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul; German Berterame, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

What time is the Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami match?

The Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 8:30 PM ET. The game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, with MLS and both clubs confirming the same start time.

• Eastern Time: 8:30 PM
• Central Time: 7:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:30 PM

Lionel Messi is expected to feature for Inter Miami on MLS Matchday 25, having traveled with the team to Chicago after being left off Miami’s latest injury report, which include plenty of teammates.

Inter Miami will be without six players due to injury, as Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Luján, Micael, Santiago Morales, Sergio Reguilón, and Mateo Silvetti have all been ruled out against the Fire.

The urgency to watch Messi play continues to grow among fans given the finite time remaining in his storied career, particularly following the Argentine icon’s recent retirement from international duty after a legendary 20-year run with La Albiceleste.

Predicted lineup for Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire

Faced with a thinned-out squad, manager Guillermo Hoyos will be forced to shuffle his starting XI to counter Chicago’s attack. Here is how Inter Miami is projected to line up for tonight’s Matchday 25 fixture:

• Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair
• Defenders: Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Facundo Mura
• Midfielders: Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez

Inter Miami will look to claim all three points on the road to keep pace at the top of the table as they push for back-to-back MLS titles with Messi leading the charge.

According to Argentine transfer market expert Cesar Luis Merlo, Allen will leave Inter Miami and join Chicago Fire for $3 million. The departure raises questions for the Herons as they manage defensive shortcomings and injury issues across the roster, and Messi‘s spectacular performance is not enough.

With the move, the 22-year-old defender ends his tenure with Inter Miami to begin a new chapter at the club alongside Robert Lewandowski, where he is expected to secure an important role.

Chicago bolsters defensive unit

Chicago Fire recognized one of their weak spots and decided to reinforce the backline. Along with the addition of Allen, they also brought in Norwegian international Andreas Hanche-Olsen.

Mainz 05 have officially confirmed the departure of Hanche-Olsen to MLS side Chicago Fire. The 29-year-old center-back leaves the Rheinhessen club with immediate effect after three-and-a-half years at the MEWA Arena. Hanche-Olsen has reportedly signed a long-term contract with Chicago.

The transfer comes shortly after the defender found himself outside Mainz’s immediate plans at the beginning of the new campaign. Hanche-Olsen was omitted from the matchday roster for the club’s opening two competitive fixtures and subsequently explored the possibility of leaving before the transfer deadline. Mainz have received a fee for the 3.5 million euro-valued defender, though the exact amount has not been disclosed.

Expectations rise for Chicago

The Chicago Fire are third in the Eastern Conference with 37 points and on track for a second-straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs trip. With these key additions—bringing in international experience with Hanche-Olsen alongside Allen, who knows what it takes to win an MLS championship—the squad will look to make a deep postseason run.

How to watch Monterrey vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire will be available live exclusively on Apple TV in the United States. There is no separate U.S. cable TV channel listed for this particular quarterfinal.

Can I watch Monterrey vs Chicago Fire for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire through a 7-day free trial. The platform’s current U.S. offer provides seven days free before the subscription changes to $12.99 per month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire is one of four Leagues Cup 2026 quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to the semifinals on September 1 or 2. The tournament brings together clubs from MLS and Liga MX, and the quarterfinal stage guarantees MLS-vs.-Liga MX matchups.

The three best finishers in the competition will also earn places in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding an important continental incentive beyond the Leagues Cup trophy itself.

Chicago Fire earned home-field advantage after a perfect Phase One campaign. The MLS club collected nine points from three games, beating Necaxa, Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul at SeatGeek Stadium. Chicago’s final qualification was sealed with a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul, with Puso Dithejane scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute.

Monterrey reached the knockout stage after collecting six points in Phase One. Rayados lost 2-1 to Orlando City in their opening match before responding with victories over Inter Miami and Nashville SC. Against Nashville, Hugo Cuypers scored in stoppage time to complete a 2-1 comeback and put Monterrey into the quarterfinals.

Monterrey vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

Monterrey (4-2-3-1): Luis Cardenas; Gerardo Arteaga, Jorge Rodriguez, Victor Guzman, Ricardo Chavez; Orbelin Pineda, Fidel Ambriz; Lucas Ocampos, Jesus Corona, Diego Rossi; Hugo Cuypers.

Chicago Fire (4-3-3): Chris Brady; Viktor Radojevic, Joel Waterman, Sam Rogers, Leonardo Barroso; Maren Haile-Selassie, Mauricio Pineda, Sam Williams; Jonathan Bamba, Robert Lewandowski, Philip Zinckernagel.

What time is the Monterrey vs Chicago Fire match?

The Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire match kicks off on Tuesday, August 25, at 8:30 PM ET. The quarterfinal will be played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, with the local kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM CT.

• Eastern Time: 8:30 PM
• Central Time: 7:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:30 PM

How to watch Orlando City vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire will be available to watch live on Apple TV in the United States. The match is part of the 2026 MLS regular season, and Apple TV is the exclusive home for the league’s matches this season, with no blackouts.

Can I watch Orlando City vs Chicago Fire for free?

Yes, eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire through a seven-day free trial. Apple’s official MLS page currently advertises 7 days free, then $12.99 per month for new subscribers in the United States.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Orlando City and Chicago Fire meet in a matchup with important Eastern Conference playoff implications. Chicago enter the game in third place with 32 points from 18 matches, while Orlando sit 10th with 21 points from 19 games. The Fire can strengthen their position near the top of the conference, whereas Orlando need a result to close the gap on the playoff places.

The game also brings one of the most intriguing individual battles in the 2026 MLS season. Antoine Griezmann and Robert Lewandowski, two of the biggest European stars to arrive in MLS this year, will face each other for the first time in league play. Griezmann has already scored for Orlando since joining the club, while Lewandowski arrived in Chicago after an extraordinary European career with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

For Orlando, the priority is to turn their attacking talent into a more consistent run of results. The Lions have 21 points from 19 matches, with Martin Ojeda leading the team with 11 goals. However, their defensive record has been a major concern, with Orlando having conceded 48 goals, one of the highest totals in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago arrive in considerably better shape in the standings, with 10 wins in 18 MLS matches and a positive goal difference. The Fire have also benefited from the arrival of Lewandowski, who adds another proven finisher to an attack already featuring Philip Zinckernagel, who leads the team with five goals and 40 chances created.

Orlando City vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

Orlando City (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crepeau; Bernardo Rhein, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Griffin Dorsey; Luis Otavio, Joran Gerbet; Tyrese Spicer, Antoine Griezmann, Ivan Angulo; Justin Ellis.

Chicago Fire (4-2-3-1): Chris Brady; Andrew Gutman, Jack Elliott, Sam Rogers, Leonardo Barroso; Cheick Doucoure, Besard Sabovic; Maren Haile-Selassie, Robin Lod, Philip Zinckernagel; Robert Lewandowski.

What time is the Orlando City vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:30 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire will be available to stream live in the United States through Apple TV. The 2026 Leagues Cup is available through the app, with every tournament match offered live and on demand.

Can I watch Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire during the service’s 7-day free trial. Apple currently advertises a seven-day free trial for the platform before the regular monthly subscription price applies.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire is the final match of Phase One for both clubs, making the August 13 meeting particularly important in the race for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. The 2026 competition features 36 teams with each club playing three matches against opponents from the other league.

Both teams enter the match unbeaten and with six points from their first two games. Cruz Azul opened its campaign with a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union, with Jose Paradela scoring early, before defeating New York City FC 2-1 on August 9. Agustin Palavecino and Paradela scored for La Maquina in that second win.

Chicago Fire have also won both of their Phase One matches. The MLS side defeated Club Necaxa 2-0 in its opener and then rallied from behind to beat Santos Laguna 3-1 on August 9. Robert Lewandowski scored the third goal against Santos, giving him three goals in his first three appearances for the Fire.

Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (4-1-3-2): Kevin Mier; Omar Campos, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Jesus Orozco; Erik Lira; Carlos Rodriguez, Agustin Palavecino, Jeremy Marquez; Gabriel Fernandez, Jose Paradela.

Chicago Fire (4-3-3): Chris Brady; Viktor Radojevic, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Leonardo Barroso; Anton Saletros, Mauricio Pineda, David Turdean; Maren Haile-Selassie, Robert Lewandowski, Jonathan Bamba.

What time is the Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off on Thursday, August 13, at 9:00 PM ET. The game will be played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, where the listed local kickoff time is 8:00 PM Central Time.

• Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
• Central Time: 8:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 6:00 PM

Lionel Messi’s first MLS goal came on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls in his first league match. Messi started on the bench, entering in the 60th minute and taking just 29 minutes to find the back of the net, scoring the final 2-0 goal in the 89th minute of play.

Messi scored his first official goal for Inter Miami on July 21, 2023, in a Leagues Cup fixture against Cruz Azul. In that historic debut, the Argentine star came off the bench in the 54th minute and needed just 40 minutes on the pitch to score a spectacular free-kick winner in the 90+4th minute, giving the team a 2-1 victory.

Lewandowski’s first goal with the Chicago Fire

In the 20th minute of the first half, the Chicago Fire reacted quickly to level the score momentarily. Following a headed assist from Philip Zinckernagel, Robert Lewandowski controlled the ball outside the box and unleashed a precise right-footed low shot directly inside the opponent’s left post.

The Polish striker’s goal marked his first official strike in American competition, shifting the dynamics of the match played in Chicago. He is already starting to make his presence felt, setting up what could be an exciting scoring race against Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez, who also started the season on fire.

Lewandowski’s brace

In the 23rd minute of the second half, the Chicago Fire turned the score around through a team move that finished in the back of the net. After receiving a precise assist from Robin Lod, Lewandowski connected with a low right-footed shot from the center of the box, placing the ball next to the opponent’s left post. That gave Chicago the 2-1 win over Charlotte.

For Lionel Messi, his first brace in an Inter Miami jersey occurred on July 25, 2023, during a 4-0 victory against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup group stage. In just his second match with the club and his first start, La Pulga needed only 22 minutes to score two goals.

How to watch New York City vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch New York City vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With plenty at stake in the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago Fire and New York City FC are set for a pivotal showdown.

Chicago enters the matchup looking to keep pace with the conference leaders, while NYCFC is aiming to strengthen its grip on a playoff spot after an inconsistent stretch.

A victory would provide a significant boost for either side, but a defeat could prove costly as the postseason race tightens, setting the stage for an intense battle from kickoff to the final whistle.

New York City vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

New York City (4-2-3-1): Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, Kevin O’Toole; Keaton Parks, Andrés Perea; Julián Fernández, Maxi Moralez, Hannes Wolf; Alonso Martínez.

Chicago Fire (4-2-3-1): Chris Brady; Allan Arigoni, Carlos Terán, Rafael Czichos, Andrew Gutman; Kellyn Acosta, Federico Navarro; Maren Haile-Selassie, Brian Gutiérrez, Jonathan Bamba; Hugo Cuypers.

What time is the New York City vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 25, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A key Eastern Conference showdown is on tap as Inter Miami meets the Chicago Fire in a match with major playoff implications.

In a strong first half of the campaign led by Lionel Messi, Miami remained among the MLS elite to sit five points behind conference-leading Nashville SC. However, Lionel Messi won’t be playing against Chicago today, as he’s getting time to rest after making it all the way to the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina.

Chicago, third in the East with 26 points, has the opportunity to close the gap on both Nashville (33) and Miami (31) with a statement victory on the road. All eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to make his MLS debut with Chicago today.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM