Miami — Inter Miami picked up a dramatic 3-2 win over Chicago Fire on Wednesday night, even without Lionel Messi, and denied Robert Lewandowski a dream start to his MLS career. With Messi and Argentine teammate Rodrigo de Paul absent four days after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, veteran striker Luis Suarez captained the Herons and delivered a brace. The winner came late from 20-year-old academy product Preston Plambeck. How the game unfolded Poland legend Lewandowski, 37, made his first MLS appearance after joining Chicago from Barcelona. The former Bayern Munich star, who has 700+ goals for club and country, started and played 63 minutes. Chicago took the lead in the 18th minute thanks to a bizarre own goal. Miami keeper Rocco Rios Novo, filling in for Canada World Cup goalie Dayne St. Clair, missed a routine back pass from Ian Fray and watched it roll into his own net. Miami hit back in the 27th minute when Suarez converted a penalty. He put the hosts ahead in the 51st, finishing after a clever backheel assist from German Berterame. Chicago equalized in the 67th minute through South African forward Puso Dithejane to make it 2-2. But Miami had the last word. In the 87th minute, Plambeck volleyed home the rebound for his first MLS goal after Chicago keeper Chris Brady had parried a close-range Suarez shot. Lewandowski’s best chance came in the 14th minute, but his shot was blocked. Key takeaways Suarez: 2 goals, captained the side in Messi’s absence Plambeck: 87th minute winner, first goal for Miami Lewandowski: Quiet debut, subbed off after 63 minutes The win keeps Miami’s playoff push alive, while Chicago will rue defensive errors on a night that was supposed to celebrate Lewandowski’s league arrival. Post navigation India vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I: Shreyas Iyer Chases First Win As Captain In Harare
