Without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami clinched a 2-1 victory against Chicago Fire, strengthening their lead in the MLS’s Eastern Conference.
Despite Messi’s absence due to injury, Inter Miami’s win, marked by Jordi Alba’s decisive goal in the 75th minute, has pushed them five points clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati. This victory at home is Inter’s 16th in 25 matches, bringing them to 53 points.
In the match, Matias Rojas from Paraguay opened the scoring for Miami in the sixth minute. Chicago Fire’s Rafael Czichos, a Saudi-born German defender, equalized in the 73rd minute. However, Alba, the former Spanish international, quickly restored the lead for Miami two minutes later.
Elsewhere, FC Cincinnati faced a setback in New York, losing 3-1 to the New York Red Bulls. Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan scored twice for the Red Bulls, and Kyle Duncan also found the net, putting the Red Bulls up 3-0 by the 59th minute. Corey Baird scored a consolation goal for Cincinnati in the 67th minute.
In other MLS action, Philadelphia Union’s Daniel Gazdag scored a hat-trick against Nashville, securing a 3-0 victory. His goals in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes kept Philadelphia just one point shy of Atlanta for the last playoff spot in the East.
Atlanta United, driven by Norwegian defender Stian Gregersen’s goals in the 60th and 77th minutes, overcame a deficit to defeat Columbus 2-1 at home. Meanwhile, Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea scored in the 38th minute, leading Toronto to a 1-0 victory over Montreal.
