Luis Suarez double spoils Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut as Inter Miami edge Chicago Fire

Luis Suarez struck twice on his 100th appearance for Inter Miami to hand Robert Lewandowski a losing Major League Soccer debut, as the Florida side beat Chicago Fire 3-2.

The Uruguayan forward converted a first-half penalty and added a second after the break in a see-saw encounter that overshadowed Lewandowski’s first outing in MLS following his summer move from Barcelona.

Inter Miami, playing without captain Lionel Messi, who is resting in Argentina after losing the World Cup final to Spain, stay second in the Eastern Conference on 34 points. Chicago remain third on 26.

Suarez marks 100th Inter Miami game in style

Suarez, 37, was the decisive figure on a night billed as Lewandowski’s introduction to American football.

He opened his account from the spot in the first half and then stretched the lead to 2-1 in the second period, underlining his enduring sharpness in front of goal as he reached the landmark of 100 matches for Inter Miami.

The match swung repeatedly, with Chicago equalising after the break and threatening to take the lead themselves, only for the hosts’ greater composure in the closing stages to prove crucial.

Teenage forward Preston Plambeck ultimately settled the contest, striking in the 85th minute to seal victory for Miami.

Difficult first outing for Lewandowski

Lewandowski, who will turn 38 in August, endured a subdued first appearance for Chicago Fire and was substituted after an hour.

The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona striker appeared out of step with what was described as the faster and more chaotic tempo of MLS. He repeatedly gestured in frustration towards team-mates, urging them to calm down and favour short passes instead of long balls and relentless running.

If Lewandowski had any doubts about his role on the pitch, they were dispelled within the opening 15 minutes – but not in the way he might have hoped.

Inter Miami defender Rocco Rios Novo, starting only his second match of the season in goal, inadvertently opened the scoring when a back-pass was played to him. Attempting to clear, he mis-hit the ball and it flew directly into his own net.

Chicago fought back to level in the second half and, for a spell, looked the more likely side to grab a third goal. Yet it was Miami who found the late breakthrough, with Plambeck’s finish five minutes from time ensuring the home side took all three points.

Messi absent as Miami strengthen position

With Messi still in Argentina after his World Cup final defeat to Spain, Inter Miami relied on their experienced supporting cast and emerging talents to secure the win.

The result keeps Miami firmly in contention near the top of the Eastern Conference, their 34 points keeping them ahead of Chicago, who sit third with 26.

Lewandowski will now have to wait until 1 August to make his first appearance in front of Chicago’s home supporters. Before then, he is set to feature again on the road, with Fire travelling to face New York City FC on Saturday.

Star names continue MLS influx

Lewandowski is among a wave of high-profile European players to join MLS this summer.

French forward Antoine Griezmann has signed for Orlando City, adding further star power to the league’s attacking ranks.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, announced on Wednesday that they had completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, strengthening an already star-studded squad that includes Messi and Suarez.

The arrival of such established names, combined with the drama of nights like Suarez’s double against Lewandowski’s new side, underlines MLS’s growing status as a destination for some of world football’s biggest personalities.