Robert Lewandowski’s Major League Soccer debut ended in defeat as Inter Miami secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire on Wednesday.
Luis Suárez scored twice before academy graduate Preston Plambeck netted the winning goal three minutes from time at Nu Stadium in Miami.
Inter Miami played without Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who were rested following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Chicago took the lead in the 18th minute after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo failed to control Ian Fray’s back pass, allowing the ball to roll into his net.
Suárez inspires Inter Miami comeback
Suárez equalised from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before putting Miami ahead six minutes into the second half, converting Germán Berterame’s backheel assist.
Puso Dithejane restored parity for Chicago in the 67th minute, but Plambeck volleyed home a rebound in the 87th minute after goalkeeper Chris Brady parried Suárez’s effort.
Lewandowski, who recently joined Chicago from Barcelona, started the match and played for 63 minutes.
The 37-year-old Poland captain admitted he needed more time to adjust after spending only two days with his new teammates.
“I didn’t expect everything to work perfectly in my first game,” Lewandowski said, adding that Chicago must defend better to win such matches.
The victory moved Inter Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference with 34 points, five behind leaders Nashville.
Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said Messi and De Paul would be given enough time to recover physically and mentally before returning to action.
