Story perspectives

Inter Miami Wins 3-2, Signs Casemiro as Lewandowski Misses Debut

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Inter Miami beat Chicago Fire 3-2 on Wednesday, with Preston Plambeck scoring the 87th-minute winner denying Robert Lewandowski a debut.
The club announced the signing of 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner.
Robert Lewandowski, who signed June 29, missed his debut because Chicago’s game with Vancouver moved to Oct 6 for air-quality concerns.
Lionel Messi and De Paul rested after Argentina’s July 19 loss to Spain and will return on August 1.

History

Historical Context

In January 2007 David Beckham left Real Madrid for LA Galaxy on a five-year deal that created MLS’s Designated Player rule and included an expansion-team option. He exercised that option in 2014, founding Inter Miami, which began play in 2020. The club’s 2024 signings of Casemiro and Robert Lewandowski mirror Beckham’s move, underscoring MLS’s push for veteran European talent.

1 of 2

Story summary

Inter Miami beat Chicago Fire 3-2 on Wednesday, with Preston Plambeck scoring the 87th-minute winner denying Robert Lewandowski a debut.
The club announced the signing of 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner.
Robert Lewandowski, who signed June 29, missed his debut because Chicago’s game with Vancouver moved to Oct 6 for air-quality concerns.
Lionel Messi and De Paul rested after Argentina’s July 19 loss to Spain and will return on August 1.

1 / 2