Before the game against Chicago Fire, Inter Miami prepared a special moment for their captain, Lionel Messi, in respect to his latest achievement of capturing the 2024 Conmebol Copa America. That victory took Messi to 45 career trophies, making him the first footballer ever to do so.
In the Copa America final against Colombia, Messi sadly suffered a right ankle ligament injury. He could play up to only the 60th minute before he was substituted. His team won a historic 16th title despite his injury as Lautaro Martinez scored late in extra time.
After the ceremony where he was welcomed to the pitch by child mascots holding cards commemorating his many various honors, Inter Miami got back to business, fighting out an edgy game to win 2-1.
A long ball by center back Avilés from the middle released Taylor on the left flank, who opened the scoring early in the 6th minute for Inter Miami. Taylor's deft dribble and pass set up Rojas for a skillful left-footed shot to the back of the net to put Inter Miami up 1-0. It was Rojas' fourth goal of the regular season, assisted for the fourth time by Taylor.
The rest of the first half saw Inter Miami really start pushing for that second goal, which really came close when an attempt from Gressel hit the crossbar just before the end of the first half, maintaining the 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Chicago Fire equalized in the 73rd minute courtesy of defender Rafael Czichos. Inter Miami responded a minute later when left back Alba picked up a loose ball from the goalkeeper, volleying it into the net for his fourth goal of the MLS regular season and reestablishing Inter Miami's advantage.
It ended 2-1 for Inter Miami, who fought to the end against a mighty Chicago Fire.
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