Locked Out in the Windy City: Fire and Miami Battle to Scoreless Draw

By Alonso Contreras

Chicago Fire FC and Inter Miami CF played to a hard-fought 0–0 draw on a blustery evening at Soldier Field, in a match that featured end-to-end action, flashes of brilliance from the stars, and more near-misses than either side would care to remember. Despite the presence of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and some standout performances from both keepers, the deadlock held firm through 90+ minutes of tense MLS action.

First Half: Woodwork, Warnings, and Missed Chances

The opening half saw Chicago looking sharper in attack, with Brian Gutiérrez particularly lively. In the 34th minute, Philip Zinckernagel nearly opened the scoring when his right-footed effort rattled off the post, the closest either team would come to a goal all night.

Inter Miami’s front line, headlined by Messi and Suárez, found chances hard to come by early. Messi had a long-range attempt saved in the 4th minute, and Suárez skied a golden opportunity in first-half stoppage time, slicing a left-footed shot wide from the center of the box — an effort with a promising 36% xG.

Yellow cards came thick and fast in a chippy half, with six players booked by the interval, including Messi’s midfield lieutenants, Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets, showing that both sides weren’t afraid to dig in physically.

Second Half: Heroics from Ustari and Brady

The second half opened up with more intensity as both teams pushed for a breakthrough. Chicago’s Jonathan Bamba tested Oscar Ustari on several occasions, including a 27% xG shot in the 88th minute that forced a diving save. Earlier, Maren Haile-Selassie had two decent looks, including one from distance that required quick reflexes from the Inter Miami keeper.

At the other end, Messi continued to orchestrate, creating space and chances, but couldn’t find a way past Chris Brady, who had an equally impressive night in goal for the Fire. Tadeo Allende had one of Miami’s best opportunities in the dying minutes, but his low effort went wide left with the goal gaping.

Jordi Alba added attacking thrust down the flank, delivering dangerous corners in the final moments, but Chicago’s backline — led by Jack Elliott and Carlos Terán (both of whom were booked) — held firm.

Notable Moments

• 34’ Zinckernagel Hits the Post – Chicago nearly took the lead as the midfielder’s low drive clanged off the right post.

• 45+1’ Suárez Misses Big Chance – Miami’s best opportunity of the game, a sitter by Suárez, went high and wide.

• 88’ Ustari Denies Bamba – A potential match-winner from Bamba was acrobatically turned away.

• 90+2’ Final Push from Miami – A last-minute corner and a free-kick from Suárez offered hope but fizzled out.

Final Whistle

Despite the goalless scoreline, fans were treated to an intense clash packed with tactical battles, high-profile names, and goalkeeping brilliance. Chicago may feel slightly aggrieved not to have capitalized on home-field momentum, while Inter Miami will be pleased to escape with a point in hostile territory.

Both teams now turn their focus to their next fixtures, still very much in the playoff hunt — and perhaps hoping their next showdown yields more than just yellow cards and close calls.

Man of the Match: Oscar Ustari (Inter Miami CF) – 6 saves and a commanding presence between the posts.

Stat of the Night: 9 yellow cards issued, and 0 goals – a reflection of the gritty nature of this showdown.

Next Up:

• Chicago Fire FC: vs. Columbus Crew

• Inter Miami CF: vs. Atlanta United