Football fans across the UK, including those in Manchester and Greater Manchester, are set to watch a highly anticipated Major League Soccer (MLS) clash as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami faces Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire.
The match, scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, at Soldier Field, marks a significant reunion for the two football legends, both of whom are expected to feature in the starting line-ups.
Messi and Lewandowski’s Rivalry Rekindled in MLS
The upcoming fixture between Chicago Fire and Inter Miami will see Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski on opposing sides for the first time in Major League Soccer. According to World Soccer Talk, the encounter carries added significance as it will break their historical head-to-head tie.
Chicago Fire enters the match on a strong run, boasting a six-match unbeaten streak in MLS play. They currently sit fifth in the Supporters’ Shield standings with 38 points from 22 matches. Inter Miami, holding third place with 43 points from 23 games, has experienced a mixed recent stretch, with one win, two draws, and two losses over their last five outings. The match is described as a key Eastern Conference clash for the 2026 MLS season.
Lewandowski previously featured against Inter Miami following his July 22 arrival in Chicago. In that match, the Herons secured a 3-2 victory, with Messi absent while resting after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup run.
A Storied History of On-Pitch and Off-Pitch Friction
The rivalry between Messi and Lewandowski extends beyond their MLS encounter. It traces back to a tense period following the cancellation of the 2020 Ballon d’Or. Messi stated in his 2021 acceptance speech that Lewandowski deserved the prior year’s honour, a sentiment which the Polish striker later publicly questioned for its sincerity. This friction was further fueled when Messi subsequently excluded Lewandowski from his voting ballot for the FIFA The Best award.
The tension famously escalated on the pitch during Matchday 3 of the 2022 World Cup group stage, where Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Poland. Messi was observed visibly snubbing an on-field greeting from Lewandowski prior to kickoff. Later in the match, Messi aggressively dribbled past Lewandowski, drawing a foul. Speaking to ESPN a year later, Messi admitted he harboured “extra motivation” during that game, stating, “I was bothered by the statements Lewandowski had made… I dribbled past him again just because it was him.” This marked their last encounter until the upcoming MLS fixture.
Their earlier club encounters include the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League semifinals, where Messi scored twice and assisted once in Barcelona’s 3-0 first-leg win against Bayern Munich. Lewandowski scored in Bayern’s 3-2 second-leg victory, though Barcelona advanced 5-3 on aggregate. Their final European club meeting in 2020 saw Lewandowski score and assist in Bayern’s iconic 8-2 quarterfinal victory over Barcelona. Messi subsequently evened their all-time head-to-head record at 2-2-0 with Argentina’s World Cup victory over Poland.
Messi’s Continued Impact Since MLS Arrival
Since his arrival in South Florida in 2023, Lionel Messi has continued to perform at a high level, making a significant mark on Inter Miami. His consistent production led to his inclusion in the 30-nominee list for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, prompting questions about his unique status in the league, as highlighted by World Soccer Talk.
This high-profile match, bringing together two of football’s most iconic figures, is expected to draw considerable interest from fans worldwide, including a significant audience tuning in from Manchester and across the United Kingdom, keen to witness the next chapter of this compelling rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami match? The match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9.
- Where will the match take place? The game will be held at Soldier Field.
- Are Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski expected to play? Yes, both superstars are expected to feature in the starting XI for the match.
- What is their head-to-head record? Their all-time head-to-head record currently stands at 2-2-0, with this MLS match set to break the tie.
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