ISTANBUL/Ahmed Hassan/Anadolu

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez led his team Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over visiting Chicago Fire on Thursday in the American Soccer League, scoring two goals in the absence of Argentine star Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami secured its fifth consecutive win, and first since the league resumed after the break due to the 2026 World Cup, raising its tally to 34 points in second place, five points behind leaders Nashville.

Chicago Fire opened the scoring with an own goal by Argentine Rocco Rios Novo in the 18th minute, before Suarez equalized from a penalty in the 27th minute.

In the second half, Suarez gave Inter Miami the lead by scoring his second goal in the 51st minute, before substitute South African Boso Dityani equalized for Chicago Fire in the 67th minute.

Substitute Preston Blimpic snatched the winning goal for Inter Miami in the 87th minute, after following up a ball that rebounded from goalkeeper Chris Brady off a shot by Suarez.

The match witnessed the debut of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in the American league, after his move to Chicago Fire from Barcelona following his winning of the Spanish league title.

In a related context, the Major League Soccer (MLS) announced opening an investigation into Inter Miami's signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

The investigation relates to the 'discovery rights' rules, which give the club that initiates negotiations with a player priority in signing him within the American league.

According to media reports, LA Galaxy had started negotiations with Casemiro and held the 'discovery right,' before Inter Miami succeeded in signing the player, which prompted the league to open the investigation.