Messi's 13th Assist Helps Casemiro Rescue Inter Miami in 1-1 Draw Against Chicago Fire

Lionel Messi once again made the difference for Inter Miami, delivering his league-leading 13th assist of the season as Carlos Casemiro scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire on Wednesday.

Playing before a crowd of 63,094 at Soldier Field, the largest attendance for a Fire match at the venue, Inter Miami recovered from an early setback to earn a point.

Chicago took the lead in the 10th minute when Robert Lewandowski finished off a move created by Andrew Gutman and Robin Lod. The goal was Lewandowski's sixth in his first nine MLS appearances and gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage at halftime.

Inter Miami responded just three minutes into the second half. Messi delivered a dangerous free kick towards Casemiro, who rose to head the ball home for his third goal in eight MLS appearances.

It was Casemiro's third consecutive match with a headed goal, highlighting the midfielder's growing impact since joining Inter Miami.

Chicago goalkeeper Chris Brady played a key role in keeping his side ahead in the first half, making six saves overall. He produced an important diving stop to deny Germán Berterame in the 16th minute.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made two saves as both sides settled for a share of the points.

The result extended Chicago's unbeaten run to seven matches, although it was their fourth consecutive draw. The Fire have also been strong at home this season, with a 7-3-1 record.

For Inter Miami, however, the draw continued a difficult stretch. The club has managed just one win in its last seven matches since the beginning of August.

Messi entered the game with 18 goals this season and became the first player in MLS history to record at least 30 goal contributions in three separate seasons.

Inter Miami began the day second in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind Nashville SC, as the club continues its bid to become the first MLS team since the 2011-12 Los Angeles Galaxy to win consecutive championships.