Lewandowski and Messi set for first MLS meeting

Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi are set to share an MLS stage for the first time when Chicago Fire host Inter Miami in a fixture that has already drawn heavy attention in the United States and beyond. With the sides sitting third and second respectively in the Eastern Conference, the occasion carries both star power and clear significance in the standings.

A meeting long anticipated

When Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire, much of the early discussion centred on how quickly he might come up against Messi. That possibility arrived sooner than expected in theory, but not in practice. Chicago’s first game against Vancouver Whitecaps was postponed, and although Lewandowski’s MLS debut did come against Inter Miami, Messi did not feature.

That means this latest contest is poised to become the first direct meeting between the two on MLS soil. It also adds another chapter to a rivalry that has surfaced only occasionally, but has still produced memorable moments across international and European competition.

What is at stake in the East

After 22 matches, Chicago Fire are third in the Eastern Conference on 38 points. Inter Miami sit one place above them in second with 43. The table gives the game an obvious competitive edge: Miami have the chance to strengthen their position, while Chicago can close the gap on the reigning 2025 champions.

Both teams also come into the match after high-scoring draws. Inter Miami were held 2-2 by Atlanta United after failing to capitalise on Nashville SC dropping points. Chicago, meanwhile, were involved in a 4-4 draw with Toronto FC, a result that underlined their attacking threat but also renewed questions about their defensive control.

Old history, new context

Spanish outlet AS has framed the game as a fresh instalment in the Messi-Lewandowski story. Their most recent meeting came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Poland faced Argentina in the group stage. Argentina won that match, though Messi missed a penalty and Poland still progressed in the tournament.

At club level, the pair’s paths have crossed only intermittently. They never played together for Barcelona, despite both being associated with the club at different times, and their Champions League meetings were limited but notable. One of the most striking came in 2020, when Bayern Munich defeated Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-finals, with Lewandowski scoring once and providing an assist.

AS noted that their head-to-head record is balanced at two wins each and suggested Lewandowski is seeking revenge. In the immediate sense, however, that appears to be directed less at Messi personally and more at Inter Miami after Chicago’s defeat in Lewandowski’s MLS debut.

“I am sure we will play better and make fewer mistakes in defence, and also show better teamwork. If we had avoided some of those errors, we could have drawn or even won that match,” Lewandowski said after that loss to Inter Miami.

Familiar faces and a predicted draw

Sports Illustrated has also highlighted a subplot beyond the two headline names. The match will offer a quick reunion for left-back Noah Allen, described as Miami’s record appearance-holder, after his move to Chicago Fire only a week earlier.

SI has predicted a 2-2 draw, pointing to defensive issues on both sides and the quality available in attack. On recent evidence, that assessment is understandable. This is a game built around two global stars, but it may ultimately be shaped just as much by which team handles the defensive moments better.

Kick-off is scheduled for the night from Wednesday to Thursday, 10 September, at 2:30am Polish time.