Lewandowski dazzles in MLS home debut, sparks Chicago Fire hopes

Vandaag, under the bright lights of Soldier Field, Robert Lewandowski marked his first home appearance for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, netting two goals against Charlotte FC and instantly announcing his arrival in the MLS in a performance that highlighted his class and reminded fans of his Barcelona pedigree.

Lewandowski debuted for Chicago Fire a week and a half earlier in an away fixture versus Inter Miami, then featured in another away match against New York City FC, coached by Pascal Jansen.

Tegen Charlotte FC the 37‑year‑old Pool striker took the field for the first time since his transfer in front of his own supporters, and he delivered with vigor.

He opened the scoring in the twentieth minute, firing a shot from the edge of the penalty area to make it 1-0 after Pep Biel had briefly put the visitors ahead.

His second strike arrived in the sixty‑eighth minute; quick footwork saw him place the ball into the left side of the net, turning the score to 2-1.

That goal crowned him the match‑winner, adding to a résumé that includes ten German championships earned with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

In the same night, Lionel Messi also returned to MLS, appearing for Inter Miami against Columbus Crew thirteen days after the World Cup final; the game finished 2-2 despite Luis Suárez’s early goal and an assist.

The encounter concluded 2-1 in favour of Chicago Fire, giving the newly arrived striker an emphatic start to his MLS career.