3 Observations from Inter Miami's Windy City Victory Over the Chicago Fire

+ An update on Lionel Messi's status.

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

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Inter Miami continue their historic 2024 MLS campaign with a thumping 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire.

With Lionel Messi’s imminent return looming over the Herons, Miami naturally wanted to keep up their good form in anticipation of the Argentine’s return.

Though the match started slow, Miami quickly found its footing as the first half crept along.

Lining up in a 5-3-2, Tata Martino’s men defended spaces well and attacked the final third with a scarily clinical mindset.

The first of four goals would come through an own goal in the 25th minute. After that? The floodgates opened with Luis Suárez and Robert Taylor topping off the match with goals in the 46th, 65th, and 93rd minutes.

With one hand closing in on the Supporter’s Shield, winning away at Soldier Field was imperative for Miami.

Here are three observations from Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Chicago.

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1.) No Clean Sheet, but Defense Held Its Own

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

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Defensively, Miami isn’t the most stable team. Out of the 29 MLS sides, the Herons are 14th in goals conceded. They make up for that by scoring a record amount of goals, but against the Fire, the back five held up for most of the match.

Jordi Alba, David Martinez, Sergio Busquets, Ian Fray, and ‘Chelo’ Weigandt defended as a unit, covered each other’s blind spots, and nearly kept a clean sheet.

These performances are a complete 180 compared to the Inter Miami a few months ago. Although some adjustments are needed, there isn’t a better time for Miami’s defense to get into rhythm than right before the playoffs.

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2.) Messi Is Almost Back to Fitness

According to Tata Martino, Messi is inching closer to returning to the field.

The 37-year-old will probably take to the pitch against Philadelphia on September 14th.

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3.) Tactical Fluidity Will Help This Miami Squad in the Playoffs

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

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Even though Messi has been out for the last three months, Tata Martino has set up his side to win, playing a style of football that works for the current personnel.

Rolling out the team in either a 4-3-3 or, as of late, a 5-3-2/3-4-3, the Herons have strengthened the backline with numbers all while keeping the intensity up top.

This Messi-less period has allowed Martino to experiment tactically against different teams the Herons may face in the playoffs.

Whether it’s the traditional 4-3-3, or a fluid back five, when Messi returns to the lineup, Martino will integrate him seamlessly into whatever formation he chooses.

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What do you think of Miami’s performance? Let me know in the comments.