MLS Preview: Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire

Inter Miami face Chicago Fire in a key Eastern Conference matchup, but Messi's absence could weaken the hosts' attack. With strong away form and a positive recent head-to-head record, Chicago Fire are tipped to avoid defeat.

By 7MTHScore Staff

Inter Miami will host Chicago Fire in MLS at 7:30am Beijing time on July 23 in a meeting between two Eastern Conference contenders. Inter Miami are currently second in the East with 31 points, five behind the leaders, while Chicago Fire sit third on 26 points with a game in hand and could seize the initiative in the race for the top two with a win.

Inter Miami, the overall champions of the 2025 MLS season, have remained steady in league play this year. From 15 league matches, they have posted 9 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats, a 60 percent win rate. They are also the highest-scoring team in MLS, with 39 league goals this season, averaging 2.6 goals per game. Their biggest issue for this match is the absence of Lionel Messi. After returning from the World Cup, Messi is currently on holiday. He has scored 12 league goals this season, ranking second in the scoring chart, and as Inter Miami's attacking focal point, his absence is a major blow to the team's tactical structure. Even at home, Inter Miami are therefore likely to make adjustments and adopt a more cautious approach for this top-three clash.

Chicago Fire have recorded 8 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses from 14 league games this season, giving them a 57 percent win rate. Their away form has also been relatively stable, with 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat from 6 league away matches, a 50 percent away win rate. That only away defeat came in their first road game of the season, and across their last six away matches in all they are unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 draws. Chicago Fire's most commonly used away tactic is defensive counter-attacking, and they are expected to concede more possession again in this match.

In the last two meetings between the sides, Chicago Fire are unbeaten with 1 win and 1 draw, giving them a certain psychological edge. Overall, with Inter Miami missing a key player and their attacking threat likely affected, while Chicago Fire boast strong away results and the better recent head-to-head record, the view here is that Chicago Fire can avoid defeat away from home.

Prediction: Chicago Fire to avoid defeat.

Match time: 2026-7-23 07:30.