Inter Miami secured a valuable point on the road after drawing 1-1 with Chicago Fire on Wednesday, September 9, with Lionel Messi and Casemiro again combining to make a goal.
The match featured some of football’s greatest players, including Messi and Robert Lewandowski, but it was the Argentine superstar’s set-piece delivery that ultimately delivered Miami with the equaliser.
Chicago Fire took an early lead with Lewandowski, who converted in the 10th minute. But Inter Miami countered immediately after halftime when Messi delivered a dangerous ball from a corner to Casemiro, who soared above the defence and struck the ball into the net in the 48th minute.
Casemiro Scores With His Head Again
Casemiro's goal continued an impressive personal scoring run. The Brazilian midfielder has now scored in three consecutive games, and all three goals have been through headers.
His aerial threat has become a very important weapon for Inter Miami when Messi is responsible for corners and free kicks.
The goal was Casemiro’s third in the MLS campaign and Messi’s 13th assist this season, keeping the Argentine at the top of the league’s assist chart.
Lewandowski Gives Chicago the Perfect Start
Chicago Fire had the better start and took advantage of an excellent attacking move in the 10th minute.
Andrew Gutman delivered a precise cross into the box, where Lewandowski arrived to finish with an acrobatic effort and put the hosts ahead.
The goal was the Polish striker’s sixth in nine MLS appearances and his third consecutive match with a goal, continuing his strong run since joining Chicago.
Record Crowd Watches Messi and Lewandowski
The match attracted a club-record 63,094 fans to Soldier Field, highlighting the immense interest in the game between Messi and Lewandowski.
Both players played the full 90 minutes, while Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady made six saves to keep his team in the contest.
Inter Miami dominated possession and finished with 20 shots compared with Chicago’s 10, but neither side could find a winning goal after Casemiro’s equaliser.
This is becoming too much.
— TobyWrites (@tobyasky) September 10, 2026
It’s like it’s happening in every game. Messi assisting Casemiro every week. pic.twitter.com/MyjMJ95UPA
Inter Miami Remains Second in Eastern Conference
The draw moved Inter Miami to 44 points while Chicago Fire reached 39 points. Miami is still second in the Eastern Conference but the result extended a tough stretch for the club.
For Inter Miami, the growing understanding between Messi and Casemiro could be especially important in the last weeks of the MLS season.
With Messi providing the precision and Casemiro providing the aerial power, set pieces are quickly becoming one of Miami’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
A Partnership to Watch
Messi's ability to deliver pinpoint crosses combined with Casemiro's movement and heading ability gives Inter Miami another dimension in attack.
The 1-1 draw may have prevented Miami from winning all three points, but the Messi-Casemiro connection illustrated yet another instance of a partnership that could become even more important in the MLS race.
