Lionel Messi set up Casemiro’s equaliser as Inter Miami fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.
Playing before a club-record crowd of 63,094 at Soldier Field, Chicago took the lead in the 10th minute through Robert Lewandowski, who converted Andrew Gutman’s cross to score his sixth goal in nine MLS appearances.
Inter Miami responded three minutes after the break when Messi delivered a precise corner that Casemiro headed home in the 48th minute. It was the Brazilian midfielder’s third goal in as many matches and Messi’s league-leading 13th assist of the season.
The visitors dominated possession and created several opportunities to complete the comeback, but Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady made six saves to keep his side level. Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair also produced two important saves in the second half.
The draw leaves Inter Miami with 44 points from 24 matches, having won 12, drawn eight and lost four. Nashville remain top of the Eastern Conference with 53 points.
The result extended Chicago’s unbeaten run to seven matches, while Inter Miami have now gone seven games with only one victory.
Inter Miami will return home on September 12 to face table-toppers Nashville at Nu Stadium.
