Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best
On April 13, 2025, Inter Miami CF and Chicago Fire FC played to a 0-0 draw at Soldier Field in Chicago during Week 8 of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Despite the lack of goals, the match was filled with excitement, particularly due to Lionel Messi’s presence, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best which attracted a record crowd of 62,358 spectators. This attendance set a new record for Chicago Fire, highlighting the significant impact Messi has had on the league’s popularity. ​YouTube+2intermiamicf+2ESPN.com+2Diario AS
Match Overview
Inter Miami entered the match with an unbeaten record, having secured four wins and two draws in their previous six games. Chicago Fire, on the other hand, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best had a mixed start to the season with three wins, two draws, and two losses. Both teams were eager to secure a win to improve their standings in the Eastern Conference.​
First Half Highlights
The match began with both teams showing intent to control the game. In the 4th minute, Messi attempted a left-footed shot from outside the box, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best forcing a diving save from Chicago’s goalkeeper, Chris Brady. Chicago responded in the 26th minute with a long-range effort from Mauricio Pineda, which was saved by Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari. ​Time+5YouTube+5Diario AS+5Goal.com+2intermiamicf+2ESPN.com+2
Second Half Action
The second half saw increased intensity from both sides. In the 64th minute, Messi’s free-kick struck the crossbar, narrowly missing the target. He had another opportunity in the 86th minute with a curling free-kick that also hit the crossbar. In the 87th minute, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best Luis Suárez found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. ​ESPN.com
Chicago Fire had their chances as well. In the 88th minute, Jonathan Bamba’s close-range shot was saved by Ustari. Maren Haile-Selassie missed the rebound, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best sending it wide. Bamba had another opportunity shortly after, but Ustari made a diving save to keep the score level.​Diario AS+3ESPN.com+3intermiamicf+3
Player Performances
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Despite not scoring, Messi was instrumental in creating opportunities, with two free-kicks hitting the crossbar. His vision and passing were evident throughout the match.​
- Óscar Ustari (Inter Miami): Ustari’s performance was crucial in maintaining the clean sheet, making seven saves, including critical stops in the closing minutes.​
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draw with Fire at Soldier Field 2025 best
- Chris Brady (Chicago Fire): Brady matched Ustari’s efforts, making key saves, particularly against Messi’s early attempt.​
- Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire): Bamba was a constant threat in the attack, creating multiple scoring opportunities, though he was unable to convert them.​
Post-Match Reactions
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, acknowledged the team’s efforts and the challenges of a congested schedule. He praised the players for their commitment and looked forward to a full week of training to prepare for upcoming matches. ​Diario AS+3intermiamicf+3ESPN.com+3
Impact on Standings
The draw extended Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak to seven games, with a record of 4 wins and 3 draws, totaling 15 points. Chicago Fire’s record stood at 3 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 12 points. ​ESPN.com
Conclusion
While the match ended without goals, it showcased high-quality football and the growing popularity of MLS, significantly influenced by Lionel Messi’s presence. Both teams demonstrated strong defensive capabilities and created several scoring opportunities, making for an engaging contest for the record-setting crowd at Soldier Field.
