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

Anticipation for Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut has reached a fever pitch, as the Polish striker is expected to take the pitch for the Chicago Fire today against Inter Miami. However, fans will likely miss out on an iconic marquee showdown against Lionel Messi, who isn’t playing against Chicago today.

Chicago manager Gregg Berhalter is expected to insert his star signing immediately into the matchday squad tonight against Inter Miami, having publicly praised Lewandowski’s relentless work rate and leadership during pre-match press conferences.

Lewandowski completed his landmark move from FC Barcelona, after Poland missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Polish goal-scoring legend arrives in MLS as one of European soccer’s elite talents aiming to cement his legacy in North America.

Lewandowski’s MLS debut was postponed

Lewandowski was originally slated to make his Fire debut last Thursday at home against Thomas Muller and the Vancouver Whitecaps, but the matchup was postponed due to external conditions.

As a result, speculation regarding his fitness and integration has only grown. Having fully traveled with the team to Florida, Lewandowski looks primed to show Major League Soccer that he remains a dominant attacking force.

Projected lineup for Chicago Fire with Lewandowski on it

Berhalter acknowledged the formidable challenge Inter Miami presents on their home pitch, but he is expected to deploy his most potent attacking options, including Lewandowski.

Chicago Fire’s projected lineup:

• Goalkeeper
  • Chris Brady (#1)
• Defenders
  • Jonathan Dean (#24)
  • Jack Elliott (#3)
  • Sam Rogers (#5)
  • Andrew Gutman (#15)
• Midfielders
  • Philip Zinckernagel (#11)
  • Mauricio Pineda (#22)
  • Anton Saletros (#6)
  • Maren Haile-Selassie (#7)
• Forwards
  • Robin Lod (#17)
  • Robert Lewandowski (#9)

Lionel Messi has been ruled out for tonight’s match with Inter Miami as he begins a mandatory 21-day rest period following his heavy workload with the national team. After logging grueling minutes in North America, the mandatory break is essential to ensure the Argentine icon is fully recovered for the stretch run of the MLS regular season.

Messi’s rest period will also force him to miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29. However, because his absence stems from international duty rest protocol, he has been officially cleared by the league and will avoid any disciplinary sanctions or mandatory single-game suspensions usually applied to All-Star scratches.

While the captain recovers, head coach Guillermo Hoyos’ squad will lean on the rest of its core lineup against Chicago Fire, as the Herons continue their push to lock down a top-three playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is expected to play for Chicago today in his MLS debut.

When could Messi return for Inter Miami?

Messi is tentatively targeted to make his return on August 5 when Inter Miami open their Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis. His exact return date will ultimately depend on how quickly he regains match fitness following his intense international workload.

Messi is set to miss at least three MLS regular-season fixtures: tonight’s home match against Chicago, a road trip to CF Montreal on July 25, and an August 1 showdown against the Columbus Crew.

Even while resting, Messi continues to grab headlines: FIFA recently nominated his quarterfinal strike as a candidate for Goal of the Tournament, while his team is ready with Luis Suarez in the lead to play against Chicago.

“You know, I have a lot of respect for Inter Miami,” Berhalter said in response to Bolavip during his Monday press conference. “They have a great squad, they’ll most likely be missing a couple players in (Lionel) Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, although you never know with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, I wouldn’t be surprised if they somehow played in the game.“

Messi and De Paul are among the Argentine players who didn’t fly back to Buenos Aires after the World Cup final, in which a 10-man Albiceleste side lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time.

However, neither of them is expected to return to club action soon. Messi went back to his native Rosario to rest and spend time with his family after a grueling World Cup run, whereas De Paul’s immediate plans remain unknown.

Lewandowski expected to make MLS debut with Chicago in Miami

Despite Berhalter’s cautious approach, Messi and De Paul are most likely to miss Inter Miami’s first games after the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lewandowski is expected to make his MLS debut for Chicago in Miami.

“We’ll see on Wednesday how long he can play,” Berhalter said of the Pole superstar, who arrived in the Windy City as a free agent after his contract with FC Barcelona expired.

Asked by Bolavip if Lewandowski’s arrival puts Chicago on the same level or at least closer to the defending MLS Cup champions, Berhalter said Wednesday’s game could be a good measuring stick, even if Messi and De Paul don’t play.

“Well, we’re going to see on Wednesday night where we are, right?” Berhalter said. “But for us, we just want to keep getting better. One thing I can tell you about Robert is, (he has a) tremendous work rate. When you think about a guy coming into the team who was jet lagged all last week, and he’s pushing the guys in training. We’re doing fitness stuff, he’s pushing that, he’s doing extra work.

“So you can see why he’s been a pro, and you can see why he’s scored more goals than anyone in Europe in the last 15 years, because he’s an absolute pro on the field and in the training sessions. He’s been high quality, scoring goals, and he looks like a great player.”

Kickoff between Inter Miami (9-4-2, second in the East with 31 points in 15 games) and Chicago Fire (8-2-4, third with 26 points in 14 games) is set for Wednesday, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET) at Nu Stadium in Miami.

With confirmation of the Fire and Whitecaps’ game suspension, the question around whether Lewandowski would play for Chicago today has been answered. Unfortunately, it’s the worst possible answer. Not only will Lewandowski not play, but the match won’t even be held at Soldier Field, where the Fire are set to play until their new home, McDonald’s Park, opens in 2028.

The league was counting on this match going ahead, as it was one of the marquee fixtures scheduled to resume the 2026 MLS season before the World Cup came to an end. Lewandowski was set to face former Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Muller.

Moreover, Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter was set to take on Vancouver, where his son and USMNT World Cup representative, Sebastian Berhalter, plays. There was plenty on the line, but because of an external factor, the match has been called off until further notice.

Lewandowski has new date for MLS debut

With the Fire’s game against the Whitecaps pushed back to Oct. 8, Lewandowski will have more time to settle into life in Chicago and now has a new date for his MLS debut. Most likely, Lewandowski will don the Men in Red’s colors for the first time on July 22, when Chicago travels to Florida to take on Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

Lewandowski won’t meet Lionel Messi, however, as the Argentine will play in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 before heading into a well-deserved break and eventually returning to club action.

Why was the game suspended?

According to the BBC, there are more than 800 active wildfires in Canada, many of which are sending smoke deep into the U.S. Midwest and severely affecting air quality. The orange haze knows little of passports or border controls, but it has disrupted life in both countries. In a cruel twist of irony, the Fire’s match against a Canadian team has been postponed because of wildfires in Canada.

According to The New York Times, Chicago’s Air Quality Index has reached the two worst categories: Very Unhealthy and Hazardous. As the fires continue to spread uncontrollably, the city has closed public beaches and pools while also canceling all outdoor activities that cannot be held in an enclosed, controlled environment.

Chicago Fire’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field falls squarely into that category, and not even the arrival of one of the greatest strikers in soccer history, Robert Lewandowski, changes what comes first: the health and safety of the players, fans, and stadium staff.

Lewandowski was expected to make his MLS debut for the Chicago Fire today, after completing his high-profile transfer as a free agent after playing for FC Barcelona. But the Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps match has been postponed due to unsafe air quality in Chicago, postponing Lewandowski’s first game in the Windy City. The Chicago Fire later announced that the game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 6.

Lewandowski, who sat out the 2026 World Cup, has utilized the break to settle in with Chicago and prepare for the next chapter of his storied career. He arrives in MLS looking to make an immediate impact and challenge fellow global icon Lionel Messi, who recently sent waves through the soccer world with a post-match message following Argentina’s dramatic semifinal victory over England in the World Cup.

Following months of intense transfer rumors linking him to various clubs worldwide, Lewandowski ultimately chose the United States. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of European legends like David Beckham and Thierry Henry, who made the leap across the Atlantic after conquering Europe.

Lewandowski vs. Muller: Familiar foes reconnect

If both are fit on October 6, former Bayern Munich teammates Lewandowski and Thomas Muller would go head-to-head on opposite sides of the pitch.

The two forwards spent eight highly successful seasons together in Germany, sharing the pitch 333 times while claiming eight Bundesliga titles and lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2020. Tonight, that storied partnership is put on hold as they battle for three crucial points.

“I think it’s no secret that we’ve been in communication with Robert,” Berhalter responded to Bolavip during his media availability after Chicago’s 2-0 road win over CF Montreal on Saturday.

“We think he’s a fantastic player. We think that they would be a great, a top pairing in this league. So you never know. I think there’s a lot still to be done, but we admire Robert, and we think he’s a fantastic player, one of the best strikers ever.“

Lewandowski confirms Barcelona exit

On Saturday, Lewandowski confirmed through a lengthy message on social media that he’s leaving Barcelona this summer.

“After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. 4 seasons, 3 championships. I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days. Catalonia is my place on earth,” Lewandowski wrote.

“Thank you to everyone I met along the way during these beautiful four years. A special thank you to President Laporta for giving me the chance to live the most incredible chapter of my career. Barça is back where it belongs. Visca el Barça. Visca Catalunya.”

Set to turn 38 in August, Lewandowski will not play in the FIFA World Cup this summer as Poland failed to qualify for the tournament. But after more than a decade at the highest level of European soccer (Borussia Dortmund from 2010-14, Bayern Munich 2014-22, Barcelona 2022-26), he looks ready to start a new chapter elsewhere.

Chicago had been mentioned as a potential suitor for Lewy once his deal expired, and Berhalter had no problem in confirming that the interest is real.

Cuypers in excellent form for Chicago

The team is already in a great situation with Cuypers in amazing form, as the Belgian striker extended his scoring streak to 10 games by netting Chicago’s second goal in Montreal on Saturday.

Cuypers, 29, is currently leading MLS with 13 goals, boasting two more than Inter Miami star Lionel Messi and FC Dallas’ Petar Musa. Needless to say, an attacking duo of Cuypers-Lewandowski would give a massive boost to Chicago’s aspirations.

“Well, I’m sure he’s getting a lot of advice from his father (former USMNT manager Bob Bradley), and he’s got some great pedigree,” Berhalter said during his Thursday media availability.

“He probably doesn’t need my advice, but, you know, coaching is a journey, and he’s a smart guy, and for him, it’s just a continual journey to keep learning and keep improving.

“And if you could do that as a human being, as a coach, I think you’ll position yourself well. But it’s been fun watching him, really the first of this generation to get an opportunity to be a head coach in MLS, and it’s really nice to see,” Berhalter added.

When Bradley impressed Berhalter on the USMNT

Bradley was only 18 when he met Berhalter for the first time. Just a month before the 2006 World Cup, Bradley was invited to the USMNT training camp as the senior roster prepared for the big tournament in Germany.

Eventually, Berhalter went on to coach the US national team and in 2018-2019 overlapped with Bradley, who captained the Stars and Stripes in 48 of his 151 international caps.

“I remember the 2006 World Cup, he was joining the team to train with us before we left for Germany, and I sat next to him at one dinner and I remember just talking to him and hearing from him and, at that time, he was wise beyond his years,” Berhalter said in 2023 when Bradley announced his retirement from soccer.

Bradley still taking first steps as a coach

After hanging up his boots, Bradley served as an assistant to his father Bob at Stabæk Fotbal. His first head coaching came with the New York Red Bulls II, leading them to their first-ever MLS Next Pro championship in 2025.

That earned him a promotion to the MLS team after a tough year in which it missed the playoffs. The NYRB are still a work in progress under Bradley, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with 12 points in 11 games.

Berhalter, on the other hand, is looking to build on Chicago’s playoff run from last year as his side sits fourth in the East with 17 points in 10 games. This, in addition to his experience on the managerial role, makes Berhalter’s advice useful for a young coach like Bradley, who’s navigating a challenging start in MLS.

“As a coach, you’re a product of all your experiences in the game,” Bradley responded to Bolavip when asked about Berhalter’s influence in his coaching career, with Berhalter showing happiness to see Bradley coaching in MLS.

“And those are experiences as a player, as a fan, as a coach. You try to take everything that you’ve seen, everything that you’ve been a part of, everything that you’ve heard, and put it all together in a way that is true to yourself and reflective of you and the environment that you want to create, and the football that you want your team to play.“

Horvath notes big differences between Bradley, Berhalter

Before having him as a coach on the US national team in 2018-2019, Bradley spent time with Berhalter as a teammate when the USMNT roster prepared for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Horvath also played under Berhalter for the Stars and Stripes, helping the country win the 2021 Concacaf Nations League by replacing Zack Steffen in the final against Mexico.

When asked by Bolavip about differences and similarities between Berhalter and Bradley, Horvath claimed their playing styles are completely different, though they have one thing in common when it comes to leading a group.

“I wouldn’t say too much, coaching national team and club are two different things,” Horvath said. “Michael’s within the Red Bull program. Everything’s ultra-aggressive, everything’s on the front foot, whereas with Gregg, we were all so aggressive, but at times, we were a bit more in block and pick and choose when to press and whatnot.

“For me, they’re two completely different coaches, completely different styles. But with all that being said, (they) still (get to) the same point to bring a group together, to be a family and a brotherhood.”

Bradley on Berhalter’s experience

Bradley also mentioned the differences between coaching a club and a national team, but he still took note of Berhalter’s work during their time together.

“Obviously, the national team is never a consistent day-to-day basis, but over the course of probably a year and a half or two years, I was in camps and games with him, and certainly, the way that he sees the game, the way that he set up training sessions, the tone that he has with the group, his way of leading. You take little bits of all that, and you try to use it in a way that then can help you,” Bradley added.

What’s for sure is that both coaches are in very different moments in their careers. While Bradley is just getting started on a New York team that has plenty of work to do, Berhalter is already in his second year in Chicago, bringing all his experience to a team that looks more mature and ready to make a playoff push in the 2026 MLS season.