20 shots, one point: Inter Miami hold Chicago Fire to 1-1

Chicago Fire drew 1-1 with Inter Miami at Soldier Field, leaving Miami second in the Eastern Conference on 43 points and Fire fourth on 38. The result kept the gap between the teams at five points, with Chicago having played 22 games and Miami 23.

How it happened

Robert Lewandowski put Chicago Fire ahead in the 10th minute, finishing an Andrew Gutman assist after a fast start from the home side. Inter Miami responded three minutes after half-time: Lionel Messi supplied Carlos Henrique Casimiro, who levelled in the 48th minute with his only shot on target.

Miami applied the greater pressure after the interval, recording 20 total shots to Chicago's 10 and seven efforts on goal to the Fire's three. Chicago's defence stayed intact late on, with both sides finishing the regular-season match without a red card.

The numbers

Inter Miami controlled 56% of possession and completed 446 accurate passes, compared with Chicago's 44% and 347. Miami also earned five corners to the Fire's two, underlining their territorial advantage.

C. Brady's six saves were crucial as Miami put 10 shots inside the box and another 10 from outside it. Inter Miami goalkeeper made two saves, while the visitors blocked nine Chicago attempts to the Fire's four.

Who decided it

Brady shaped the outcome from the Chicago goal, earning an 8.0 match rating alongside Lewandowski. His six saves protected the point after Lewandowski's opener, while the striker contributed one goal, one shot on target and two tackles in 90 minutes.

For Miami, Casemiro's equaliser came with a 7.8 rating, while Messi finished with one assist, four shots on target and three key passes. Messi's contribution added to his league-leading 18 goals and 10 assists in 20 appearances.

Why it matters

Chicago remain fourth on 38 points with an 11-5-6 record, while Inter Miami stay second at 43 points after 12 wins, seven draws and four losses. Nashville SC lead on 53 points, leaving Miami 10 points behind and Chicago 15 adrift.