Inter Miami solidifies top spot despite Messi’s absence – Photo: REUTERS
Inter Miami entered the match without their brightest star Lionel Messi due to injury.
Both teams from the Eastern region started the match with determination and an attractive attacking style from the first minutes. However, it was Inter Miami who opened the scoring in the 25th minute thanks to an own goal.
Diego Gomez broke down the right wing and crossed for Luis Suarez . The Uruguayan striker finished with a tricky shot, forcing goalkeeper Chris Brady to push the ball away, before it hit Tobias Salquist and went into the net. Inter Miami scored the opening goal.
Right at the beginning of the second half, Suarez was once again assisted by Diego Gomez. The Uruguayan veteran easily tapped the ball into the Chicago Fire net with his left foot, raising the score to 2-0 for Inter Miami.
Not stopping there, Suarez completed his double in the 65th minute for the away team. Receiving a pass from Jordi Alba on the left wing, Suarez easily defeated the opposing goalkeeper, raising the score to 3-0.
Efforts in the final minutes of the match only helped Chicago Fire get an honorary goal by Georgios Koutsias in the 82nd minute.
In injury time, Robert Taylor sealed a 4-1 win for Inter Miami after an assist from Leo Campana.
Despite the absence of Lionel Messi due to injury, Inter Miami still showed destructive form.
Defeating Chicago Fire, coach Tata Martino and his team had their 18th victory in MLS (Major League Soccer) this season, thereby helping them firmly consolidate their position at the top of the rankings with 59 points after 27 rounds.
Meanwhile, Chicago Fire continues to sink deeper into crisis with 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
