Chicago Fire Stuns Messi’s Inter Miami in Eight-Goal MLS Thriller

Chicago Fire secured a 5-3 win over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to reach the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2017. Miami’s Luis Suarez scored twice to equalize at 3-3, but late goals from Justin Pledger Reynolds and Brian Gutierrez sealed Chicago’s victory. The match marked a strong return to club management for Gregg Berhalter.

As the Major League Soccer season nears its climax, Chicago Fire secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to book a place in the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The match, held in Fort Lauderdale, was a roller coaster of goals and momentum swings. Chicago took an early lead with an 11th-minute header from Ivorian midfielder Dje D’Avilla, followed by a quick counterattack goal from Jonathan Dean just after the half-hour mark.

Miami pulled one back through Tomas Aviles in the 39th minute, but Rominingue Kouame restored Chicago’s two-goal advantage before half-time. After the break, Uruguay veteran Luis Suarez spearheaded Miami’s fightback, scoring twice to level the match at 3-3 by the 74th minute. However, Miami’s defense faltered under fatigue, conceding two late goals. Justin Pledger Reynolds tapped in from close range in the 80th minute, and Brian Gutierrez unleashed a 25-yard strike into the top corner three minutes later to seal Chicago’s win.

The victory marked a successful return to club management for former USA coach Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed from the national team last year. Despite Miami dominating possession, Chicago’s energetic counterattacks proved decisive, highlighting their tactical discipline and resilience as they clinched a spot in the MLS postseason.