Football

Inter Miami extended their lead atop the MLS standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire on Saturday, despite the absence of star forward Lionel Messi.Matias Rojas gave Miami an early lead in the sixth minute, but Rafael Czichos equalized for the Fire in the 73rd minute. Just two minutes later, former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba netted the game-winning goal for Inter Miami.The win marked Inter Miami's 16th in 25 games, taking their points tally to 53. They now hold a five-point advantage over second-placed FC Cincinnati, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at New York Red Bulls.In New York, Lewis Morgan's brace and Kyle Duncan's strike gave the Red Bulls a commanding 3-0 lead after 59 minutes. Corey Baird pulled one back for Cincinnati in the 67th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation.Meanwhile, Daniel Gazdag's hat-trick propelled Philadelphia Union to a 3-0 victory over Nashville. Gazdag's goals in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes kept Philadelphia within one point of Atlanta United for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.Atlanta United came from behind to defeat Columbus 2-1, thanks to Stian Gregersen's brace in the 60th and 77th minutes. Richie Laryea's 38th-minute goal earned Toronto a 1-0 triumph over Montreal.

Inter Miami's unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end on Sunday as they succumbed to a 2-3 home defeat against Montreal. The absence of talisman Lionel Messi, who was sidelined with a shin injury, proved costly for the hosts.Montreal took the lead in the first half through Fernando Alvarez's header. Inter Miami equalized in the 71st minute through Leonarda Campana, but their defense faltered, allowing Matias Coccaro and Sunusi Ibrahim to score in quick succession.Despite the setback, Inter Miami showed some resilience, with Jordi Alba scoring a consolation goal reminiscent of Messi's brilliance. Alba received the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner.Assistant coach Javier Morales explained Messi's absence, stating that the Argentine is eager to play every game. Head coach Tata Martino expressed disappointment with the team's defensive performance, despite believing they deserved to win.Messi is expected to return for Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Nashville. He will be keen to avoid fatigue and exhaustion ahead of the Copa America, where Argentina will defend their title.