Historic meeting in Chicago: Messi and Lewandowski share an MLS pitch for the first time
On Wednesday, September 9, a sold-out Soldier Field hosted Chicago Fire's Eastern Conference clash with Inter Miami, marking the first time Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski played on the same MLS field.
Sold-out showdown at Soldier Field
On Wednesday, September 9, Chicago Fire hosted Inter Miami CF in a Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference match that drew worldwide attention, as Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski shared an MLS pitch for the first time. The game at Soldier Field in Chicago sold out, with more than 60,000 tickets sold, according to NBC Chicago. Sources disagree on the kickoff time — MLSsoccer.com and Inter Miami's official site list 8:30 p.m. ET, while NBC Chicago reports 7:30 p.m. ET.
Context: a playoff-positioning battle
Both sides entered the match fighting for Eastern Conference standing. Miami sat second with 43 points (12 wins, 4 losses, 7 draws), while Chicago was third with 38 points (11-6-5), five points back but with a game in hand, according to NBC Chicago and Inter Miami's club site. Chicago carried a six-match unbeaten run into the game, including three straight draws, most recently a wild 4-4 result at Toronto FC, where Maren Haile-Selassie scored twice and Lewandowski had a goal and an assist before Toronto equalized in the 92nd minute.
Stars in form
Messi, MLS's reigning MVP and Golden Boot winner, arrived with 18 goals and 12 assists this season — the only player in league history to record at least 30 goal contributions in three separate campaigns. He was joined in attack by Luis Suárez (12g/8a) and former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro. Lewandowski, who joined Chicago from Barcelona over the summer, had 5 goals and 2 assists in his first eight MLS appearances. Both clubs also added fresh European reinforcements over the summer, including Noah Allen, who moved to Chicago on loan from Miami.
History and match statistics
This marked the 12th all-time meeting between the two clubs, with Miami holding four wins to Chicago's five and two draws; Miami won the sides' first 2026 meeting 3-2 at home in July. According to BBC's match data, Miami controlled possession (59.3% to 40.7%), completed more passes (229 to 156, at 88.2% to 85.3% accuracy) and made more tackles (10 to 4), while the teams were even in total shots (3-3) and shots on target (1-1). Chicago made more clearances (10 to 2), while Miami picked up two yellow cards to Chicago's none. Per an MLSsoccer.com reference, Lewandowski scored an impressive goal during the match.
