Chicago Fire inflicted a five-goal thrashing on Inter Miami, featuring Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, with a resounding 5-3 victory at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday. This result secures their place in at least the MLS - Liga USA play-in stage.

The Illinois side dominated on Inter Miami's home turf, ruthlessly exposing the defensive frailties of Javier Mascherano's team. Despite Inter Miami's attacking prowess, which saw them temporarily overturn a 3-1 deficit with goals from Tomas Aviles and a brace from Suarez, their defensive vulnerabilities were ultimately their undoing.

Inter Miami now sit fourth in the MLS - Liga USA Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Philadelphia Union with a game in hand.

The match at Chase Stadium was filled with incident. Inter Miami paid the price for their recent congested fixture schedule, having played six games in 18 days, with their defensive line particularly suffering.

Dje Davilla and Jonathan Dean gave the Fire a two-goal cushion within the first 30 minutes. Although Tomas Aviles pulled one back for Inter Miami from a Leo Messi corner in the 42nd minute, Mascherano's side conceded a third in added time, courtesy of Rominigue Kouame.

Inter Miami showed plenty of heart. Messi came close to scoring a second with a left-footed shot that struck the post in the 52nd minute, but Suarez reduced the deficit to 3-2 five minutes later.

'El Pistolero' then completed his brace in the 74th minute, converting a low cross from Jordi Alba to restore parity once again.

However, Mascherano's team's defensive woes resurfaced. In the 80th minute, Mauricio Pineda capitalised on a rebound inside the box, providing Justin Reynolds with an easy assist to slot home and make it 4-3.

This was a psychological blow for Inter Miami, who ultimately succumbed to a spectacular goal from Brian Gutierrez, whose powerful right-footed strike from 23 yards found the top corner.

It was the first time Inter Miami have conceded five goals at home since Messi's arrival. The Fire will now return to the MLS - Liga USA postseason for the first time since 2017.

R. Kouamé

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