Messi denied twice by the post in goalless stalemate against Berhalter’s side as Herons slip in east

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi were held to a second straight draw in MLS, finishing 0-0 against Chicago Fire. Despite remaining unbeaten, Miami has dropped points in back-to-back games, slipping out of first place in the Eastern Conference.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

For the second consecutive MLS weekend, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were forced to settle for a draw, this time ending 0-0 against Gregg Berhalter’s Chicago Fire on Sunday night.

After a 1-1 result against Toronto FC on Matchday 7, the Herons have now collected just two points from their last six available—causing them to lose their hold on first place in the Eastern Conference. They now trail Supporters’ Shield leaders Vancouver Whitecaps by four points.

Both sides had opportunities to break the deadlock, but standout performances from goalkeepers Oscar Ustari and Chris Brady ensured neither team found the net. Miami’s best chances came via set pieces, with Messi rattling the woodwork twice from direct free-kicks.

Outside of dead-ball situations, the South Florida side struggled to build rhythm. Luis Suarez had the ball in the net late on, but his effort was ruled out due to a clear offside call.

Chicago, on the other hand, posed consistent threats throughout the night, with Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba, and Philip Zinckernagel frequently testing Miami’s defense. Ustari’s heroics—including seven crucial saves—played a vital role in preserving the draw.

Despite the result, Inter Miami remains unbeaten in MLS this season. However, Sunday’s match marked their first scoreless outing of the campaign, and back-to-back draws have chipped away at their early momentum in the league standings.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

Forwarder

ArgentinaArgentina

Age: 38

170 cm

72 kg

Season 2025
Played 6 2 Missed
Minutes 485 80.8 Avg
Goals 3 0.5 Avg
Assist 2 0.3 Avg
Attempt 36 6.0 Avg
Passes 249 41.581.3% AvgSucc
Yellow 1 0.2 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 5 times for 395 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 3 goals for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 4th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Chicago Fire.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami

Manager: Javier Mascherano
Rank 3rd
Win 5
Draw 3
Loss 0
Goals 13-6
Diff 7

Inter Miami is currently 4th in the Major League Soccer with 15 points.

In the last 7 games, it has won 4 times and drew 3 times. In its last match, Inter Miami drew 0-0 against Chicago Fire.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 12 goals and conceding 6.​

Inter Miami will play the next match in Major League Soccer against Columbus Crew on Saturday 19th of April in Minneapolis.​