In a match that had everything but a script, the Chicago Fire pulled off a stunning 5-3 victory over Inter Miami CF on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium. The game, delayed from earlier in the season, turned into a goal-fest that left fans breathless and shifted the MLS landscape just a bit. Chicago's win, their first playoff-clinching moment since 2017, came at the expense of a weary Inter Miami side chasing the Supporters' Shield.
The Fire struck first through quick counters, with Justin Reynolds netting his debut goal for the club, a poignant moment for the homegrown defender from the area. Inter Miami, powered by Lionel Messi's magic, fought back fiercely—Messi himself scored once—but defensive lapses proved costly. Chicago piled on with three more goals, exposing Miami's fatigue from a grueling schedule. Indeed, the Herons had drawn 1-1 with Toronto just days prior, and it showed in their backline's unraveling.
Moreover, this result dents Inter Miami's ambitions. Sitting at 16 wins, 7 losses, and 8 draws for 56 points in the Eastern Conference, they're still in contention but now trail leaders by a margin that feels tighter. Chicago, jumping to 16-11-6 with 54 points, secures their postseason spot and eyes a higher seed. The Fire's resilience under Gregg Berhalter, who took over midseason, has been nothing short of remarkable—transforming a perennial underperformer into playoff material.
However, for Inter Miami, the loss highlights deeper issues. Messi's brilliance can't mask the squad's overreliance on stars amid injuries and a packed calendar. The atmosphere at Chase Stadium, buzzing with UNICEF Takeover Night energy, turned tense as Chicago's attackers exploited every gap. It was chaotic, thrilling, and ultimately heartbreaking for the home crowd.
Yet, as the regular season winds down, one wonders if this stumble will galvanize Inter Miami or signal a tougher road ahead in the playoffs.