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)

Philadelphia Union continued their remarkable run of form with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, with Bruno Damiani scoring his first MLS hat-trick and the Sullivan brothers producing another standout performance.

The win at Subaru Park extended Philadelphia’s unbeaten MLS run to nine matches and strengthened their push up the Eastern Conference standings. Cincinnati, meanwhile, were left with little chance after midfielder Obinna Nwobodo was sent off in the 16th minute.

Nwobodo red card changes the contest

Cincinnati started the match with both sides looking to build on their recent league campaigns, but the visitors' task became considerably harder when Nwobodo received a straight red card following a VAR review.

The dismissal left Cincinnati with 10 players for more than 70 minutes and allowed Philadelphia to take control of possession and territory.

The Union eventually broke through in the 43rd minute when Quinn Sullivan converted a penalty.

Philadelphia then doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time, with Damiani finishing from a move involving both Quinn and his younger brother Cavan Sullivan.

Damiani takes over after the break

The second half quickly became the Damiani show.

The Uruguayan forward struck again in the 49th minute after another combination involving the Sullivan brothers, giving Philadelphia a three-goal cushion.

Damiani completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, capping a highly efficient attacking display.

It was the first MLS hat-trick of his career and continued an impressive run for the 24-year-old designated player. 

Philadelphia's official match report highlighted that Cavan and Quinn Sullivan were both credited with assists on two separate goals in the same match, an MLS first for a pair of brothers. 

Sullivan brothers make history

The night was particularly significant for the Sullivan family.

Quinn Sullivan scored the opening goal from the penalty spot and finished with two assists, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan supplied two assists.

Their combination play repeatedly caused problems for Cincinnati, including the move that created Damiani's second goal and another sequence leading to his hat-trick goal.

Cavan's performance also adds to a growing run of impressive displays from the teenage Philadelphia homegrown player. He had already contributed to goals in five consecutive MLS matches before Wednesday's game. 

Philadelphia dominate the numbers

The final score reflected Philadelphia's control.

The Union finished with 64.7% possession and registered 18 shots compared with just one from Cincinnati. Philadelphia also put six attempts on target, while Cincinnati failed to record a shot on goal. (FC Cincinnati)

Goalkeeper Andre Blake therefore completed the match without being forced into a save, as Philadelphia recorded another clean sheet.

Milan Iloski completed the scoring in the 89th minute by converting Philadelphia's second penalty of the evening. It was his 12th goal of the season, according to the match report. 

Nine games unbeaten for Union

The result extended Philadelphia's unbeaten league streak to nine matches.

The Union have now won seven and drawn two of their last nine MLS games, a dramatic improvement following their 6-4 defeat away to Inter Miami on May 24.

They entered the match with a strong run since the World Cup break and have continued to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Cincinnati, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive heavy defeat after previously losing 4-0 to Nashville. Their four-game unbeaten streak was already over heading into Philadelphia, and the 5-0 defeat further exposed their struggles. 

What comes next

Philadelphia will now turn their attention to a trip to San Diego FC for their next MLS fixture.

For Cincinnati, the immediate challenge is to recover quickly at home against Charlotte FC on September 12.

For the Union, however, Wednesday's victory offered more than three points. Damiani found his scoring rhythm, the Sullivan brothers continued their rapid development, and Philadelphia's unbeaten run reached nine games.