German media assess Lewandowski's MLS debut for Chicago Fire

Robert Lewandowski’s first appearance in Major League Soccer prompted swift reaction in Germany after the Poland captain made his Chicago Fire debut away to Inter Miami. The 37-year-old started the match, played 63 minutes and was unable to mark the occasion with a goal.

A long-awaited first outing in Chicago

Lewandowski moved to the United States this summer after four years at Barcelona, signing a two-year contract with Chicago Fire. His debut had been delayed, with German outlet Die Welt noting that Chicago’s previously scheduled home game against Vancouver Whitecaps was called off because of poor air quality.

That meant his first MLS appearance finally came against Inter Miami, the club owned by David Beckham. It was a notable occasion not only because of Lewandowski’s profile, but also because of the attention his move has generated across Europe, particularly in Germany after his years with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

How German outlets viewed the performance

The German press largely framed the night as a difficult start for Lewandowski in his new surroundings. Bild focused heavily on the unusual opening goal of the game, describing it as a bizarre own goal after a mistake by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. The paper also highlighted that Lewandowski did not get on the scoresheet in his first outing for Chicago.

Die Welt took a broader view, stressing both the delayed nature of the debut and the result. Its coverage underlined that Lewandowski began in the starting line-up and was replaced in the 63rd minute.

Elsewhere, both German Eurosport and Kicker pointed to the absence of Lionel Messi from the Inter Miami side. Their reports described the debut as an unsuccessful one for Lewandowski, with Chicago losing despite the significance surrounding his first match in the league.

Key details from the night

• Lewandowski started for Chicago Fire against Inter Miami.
• He played 63 minutes before being substituted.
• He did not score on his MLS debut.
• German media also noted that Lionel Messi was absent for Inter Miami.

Kicker also referenced the postponed fixture from the previous week and placed Lewandowski’s debut in the wider context of MLS scheduling disruption caused by wildfires. Its report added further detail on the late decisive moment in the match and the contribution of Luis Suarez for Inter Miami.

What comes next

For Lewandowski, the immediate focus now shifts to his next opportunity to open his account in the United States. Chicago Fire are due to travel to face New York City FC in their next outing, giving the former Barcelona and Bayern striker another early test as he adjusts to a new league and a new team.

The first verdict from Germany was clear enough: this was a debut that carried intrigue, attention and expectation, but not yet the impact in front of goal that has defined so much of Lewandowski’s career.