“Robert Lewandowski makes his debut in MLS against Inter Miami without Messi.”

Inter Miami is set to host Chicago Fire in a crucial match in the 17th round of the MLS, scheduled for this Wednesday at 7:30 PM local time at Nu Stadium in Miami. The game is notable for the absence of stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, both on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, where they represented Argentina.

The reigning MLS champions, Inter Miami, sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points and are firmly in pursuit of the top spot. On the other side, Chicago Fire, currently in third place with 26 points, arrives buoyed by a strong start to the season and the anticipation of seeing Polish striker Robert Lewandowski make his debut in the North American league.

This will be the first match between these teams since the 2026 World Cup, breaking a two-month hiatus in the competition. With Messi and De Paul absent, the offensive responsibility for Inter Miami falls on Luis Suárez, who shone in the last match by scoring a hat-trick in the 6-4 victory at home.

The game kicks off at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT and will be streamed exclusively on a streaming platform, not available on traditional television channels in the United States and other regions.

The absence of these two key figures for Inter Miami may create a different dynamic in the match, shifting the focus to players like Suárez and the Chicago Fire's ability to capitalize on this gap. Lewandowski's debut adds an extra layer of excitement, as the forward is a significant signing expected to influence the team's direction.

This matchup could be crucial for determining the fight for the top of the Eastern Conference, with both teams looking to solidify their positions and maintain their ambition of reaching the top of the table. Miami's performance without their stars and Lewandowski's immediate impact on Chicago Fire will be the main points to watch.