Messi-less Inter Miami reopens its 2026 MLS campaign with horrendous own goal

Robert Lewandowski didn’t score in his Major League Soccer debut with the Chicago Fire, but he did get a first-hand look at a very MLS moment.

That fútbol follies moment came courtesy of Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, who whiffed on a back pass from defender Ian Fray and the ball went into the back of his own net for an embarrassing own goal in the 18th minute.

The United States’ wild and often-unpredictable domestic league was back in full action on Wednesday, July 22, and to be fair, many of these athletes haven’t played in a game in seven weeks, so there’s bound to be some rust. Still, this looked very much like some ill-fated schoolyard kid trying their luck at kickball for the first time.

Lewandowski, one of the world’s premier strikers for nearly two decades, was ready to pounce on any misplayed pass, and perhaps his mere presence was enough to throw off Ríos Novo’s concentration.

Despite the gaffe, Inter Miami was able to pull off a big 3-2 win over the Chicago Fire while playing without their star player, Lionel Messi, and his Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who are taking time off after playing in the World Cup final against Spain on July 19. Messi’s former FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez had a brace, his first goal coming on a penalty kick and then a nifty go-ahead goal in the second half. However, it was 20-year-old midfielder Preston Plambeck who played the hero for Miami, scoring the winner in the 87th minute.

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April 25: The Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel (left) and Sporting Kansas City’s Kwaku Agyabeng battle for control of the ball during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won the match, 5-0.

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April 4: Inter Miami defender Maximiliano Falcon reacts after a play against Austin FC during the second half at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami drew 2-2 against Austin FC in the inaugural game at Nu Stadium in Miami.

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April 4: The Chicago Fire’s Maren Haile-Selassie (7) and Nashville SC’s Maxwell Woledzi battle for control of the ball during the first half at Soldier Field. Chicago won the match, 1-0.

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March 21: Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crapeau (71) blocks the header by Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge during the first half at Geodis Park. Nashville SC won the match, 5-0.

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March 1: Inter Miami’s German Berterame controls the ball against Orlando City during the second half at Inter&Co Stadium. Inter Miami won the game, 4-2.

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Feb. 28: Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and the Houston Dynamo’s Antonio Carlos (left) compete for possession during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. LAFC won the match, 2-0.

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Feb. 21: Fans watch during the national anthem before the game between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami CF at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. LAFC won the game, 3-0, knocking off the defending MLS champs.

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