Casemiro scored for the third consecutive match as Inter Miami fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Chicago Fire at Soldier Field, where Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski faced each other in a star-studded MLS contest.
Inter Miami were forced to settle for a point after being held to a 1-1 draw by Chicago Fire on Wednesday, with Casemiro once again proving decisive for the visitors.
Chicago took the lead through Robert Lewandowski in the first half, but Casemiro equalised shortly after the break with a header from a Lionel Messi corner.
The result moved Inter Miami to 44 points in the Eastern Conference, while Chicago Fire reached 39 points. Chicago also extended its unbeaten run to seven matches.
Lewandowski Gives Chicago Early Lead
The home side made the stronger start and opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
Andrew Gutman created space on the left before delivering a cross towards the far post. Lewandowski attacked the delivery and finished to give Chicago a 1-0 advantage.
The goal was the Polish striker's sixth in nine MLS appearances and his third consecutive league match with a goal.
Chicago's defensive organisation then made life difficult for Inter Miami, despite the visitors enjoying considerable possession.
Messi Comes Close Before Half-Time
Messi was unable to find the net but remained a constant threat.
The Argentine tested Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady with a shot from outside the penalty area in the 23rd minute. He came even closer late in the first half, forcing another important save from Brady after creating space near the top of the box.
Chicago went into half-time with their narrow lead intact.
Casemiro Strikes Again for Miami
Inter Miami responded immediately after the interval.
In the 48th minute, Messi delivered a corner into the penalty area and Casemiro rose to head the ball home, bringing Miami level at 1-1.
It was Casemiro's third consecutive match with a goal. He had also scored in Inter Miami's previous 2-2 draw against Atlanta United, when Messi supplied the assist for his opening goal.
The Brazilian midfielder has quickly become an important scoring threat for Miami despite his primary role in midfield.
Chicago Hold Firm Under Pressure
Inter Miami pushed for a winner after the equaliser, but Chicago's defence and goalkeeper Brady kept the visitors from completing the comeback.
Match statistics showed Miami with 60 percent possession and seven shots on target, compared with one shot on target for Chicago. Brady's six saves were crucial in preserving the home side's point. (LiveScore.mobi)
Chicago, meanwhile, extended its unbeaten streak to seven games, having recorded three wins and four draws during that run.
Record Crowd Watches Messi-Lewandowski Duel
The match attracted an announced crowd of 63,094 at Soldier Field, setting a club attendance record for Chicago Fire.
The occasion also brought together two of football's biggest modern stars. Messi and Lewandowski had previously faced each other at international and European level, but this was their latest meeting after both became part of MLS's growing collection of global stars.
For Inter Miami, the draw continues a difficult recent spell despite the team's strong position in the Eastern Conference. The Herons had also drawn 2-2 with Atlanta United in their previous league match. (intermiamicf)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
