Lewandowski scores twice on home debut as Chicago Fire beat Charlotte 2-1

Robert Lewandowski scored twice on his home debut for Chicago Fire, leading the club to a 2-1 Major League Soccer victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Charlotte took the lead in the 18th minute when Pep Biel finished a move involving Idan Toklomati. Lewandowski answered two minutes later, collecting Philip Zinckernagel's headed pass before shifting the ball to his right foot and finishing into the lower-left corner.

The Poland striker secured the win in the 68th minute. Robin Lod played him through during a transition, and Lewandowski beat goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina from close range.

The result gave Chicago its first league victory since the end of the international break and moved the Fire to a 9-6-2 record with 29 points. Charlotte fell to 7-7-4 and has lost four of its past five away matches.

Elsewhere, Lionel Messi returned to MLS action as a second-half substitute in Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew. Luis Suárez opened the scoring for Miami, Columbus levelled through a Casemiro own goal, and Noah Allen restored the hosts' lead before Brais Méndez equalised with a late free-kick.

Messi, returning after an extended post-World Cup break, had two attempts go wide and did not score.