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 resilience was on full display as they overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer. Luis Suarez continued his impressive scoring form, netting his 11th league goal of the season.Montreal seized the early initiative, with Bryce Duke capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give them the lead. Jules-Anthony Vilsaint doubled their advantage with a composed finish. However, Miami refused to be deterred. Matias Rojas converted a free-kick in the absence of Lionel Messi, who had briefly left the field for treatment. Suarez then leveled the score just before halftime, bundling the ball home from close range.After the break, Miami emerged as a transformed team. Rojas's exquisite pass over the Montreal defense found Benjamin Cremaschi, who slotted home the winning goal. Despite late pressure from Montreal, Miami held firm to secure their eighth win in 13 games.In the Ohio derby, FC Cincinnati avenged their Eastern Conference final loss to Columbus Crew with a 2-1 victory. Luciano Acosta starred for Cincy, scoring both goals. Maximilian Arfsten's late strike proved to be a consolation for Columbus.Christian Benteke's hat-trick of headers propelled D.C. United to a 3-2 triumph over Atlanta. Luis Muriel's brace inspired Orlando City to a 3-2 win at Philadelphia Union. Joao Klauss scored twice as St. Louis defeated Chicago Fire 3-1 in the derby. Dallas edged Austin 2-1 in the Texas derby.