Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami fell to a 3-5 defeat against Chicago Fire at the Chase Stadium on Wednesday.
Chicago Fire secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over Inter Miami, a result that sealed Chicago’s spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The Fire’s goals came from Dje D’Avilla, Jonathan Dean, Rominigue Kouame, Justin Pledger Reynolds, and Brian Gutierrez.
Despite a spirited second-half fightback from the Herons, which included a goal from Tomas Aviles and a Luis Suarez brace, Miami ultimately fell short.
Lionel Messi was held scoreless for the second consecutive game as Inter Miami’s defeat significantly reduced their chances of winning the Supporters’ Shield.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami
Lionel Messi right winger of Inter Miami and Argentina | Imago
Philadelphia Union can now claim the regular-season title with a win over New York City FC.
After the loss, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano took full responsibility. “This defeat is exclusively my responsibility. It wasn’t the players; it was the strategy I chose,” Mascherano said after the game.
Miami’s next two games are at home against New England and Atlanta United, where they will try to return to winning ways.