Lionel Messi and Inter Miami may still be unbeaten, but their sparkle dimmed under the lights at Soldier Field as they settled for a second consecutive draw this time a goalless stalemate against the Chicago Fire.
Despite dominating the headlines with their star power, Miami failed to find the back of the net for the first time this season, dropping to second place in the Eastern Conference and now trailing Vancouver Whitecaps by four points in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Messi Hits the Woodwork Twice
The Herons had their chances, and of course, Messi came closest. The Argentine icon struck the post twice from direct free-kicks but couldn’t break through Chicago’s disciplined backline. Luis Suarez thought he had a late winner, but his goal was ruled out for a clear offside.
Ustari the Hero
While the attack faltered, Miami’s goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was the standout performer with seven crucial saves, keeping the Herons in contention throughout. His commanding presence earned him a 9/10 rating, the highest of the match.
Frustration Mounts for Mascherano
Manager Javier Mascherano is now under pressure to inject creativity and sharpness into Miami’s final-third play. Critics are questioning his insistence on Suarez in the No. 9 role, especially after another inconsistent performance from the Uruguayan veteran.
His rating? A 5/10, with pundits calling for tactical changes beyond flashy matchday suits.
Quick Recap: Miami Player Ratings
Top Performers
- Oscar Ustari – 9/10
- Sergio Busquets – 7/10
- Noah Allen & Tomas Aviles – 7/10 each
Disappointments
- Telasco Segovia – 4/10
- Luis Suarez – 5/10
- Benjamin Cremaschi – 5/10
What’s Next?
With two points from their last six, Miami now needs a strong bounce-back to maintain momentum in the title chase. Their unbeaten status remains, but if they can’t convert stalemates into wins, they risk slipping further behind.
Next Match: All eyes will be on Mascherano’s tactical shuffle and whether Messi can turn near-misses into match-winners.
