Why Chicago Fire’s wild win over Inter Miami signals a shift in MLS power

The Fire is back! At least back in the MLS playoffs. The esteemed Chicago OG franchise clinched their first MLS Cup Playoff berth since 2017 with a stunning 5-3 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on October 1, capping a chaotic match that swung wildly and left many wondering if Lionel Messi is capable of carrying this version of Inter Miami we saw easily dismantled by Gregg Berhalter and his squad.

Why It Matters:

This wasn’t just a win for Chicago—it was a watershed moment for a founding MLS club, long stuck in mediocrity. The feat occurs, just as the club announced this year it would be finally building a soccer specific stadium, 2025 seems to have been good for Chicago: a new coach in Gregg Berhalter, and now a gift to their fans with a trip to the postseason.

It wasn't always pretty on the field for Chicago and took some work and tepid results to get there, but no one can deny the Fire their cake now: they've snapped a seven-year playoff drought while taking care of a star-powered Miami side featuring Messi, DePaul, Luis Suárez, and coach Javier Mascherano in the process.

The "Chicago is Back" narrative, nonetheless, goes beyond standings and a simple playoff qualification. Beyond Belgian star Hugo Cuypers, Maren Haile-Selassie has been excellent for the team in 2025. His hat trick of assists, including a dazzling pass to Brian Gutiérrez’s goal contributed to a quality team win over the darlings of Miami.

More than 10,000 likes flooded MLS’s official post within 24 hours, mostly approving of Chicago's win rather than lamenting Inter Miami's letdown. But title hopes are still considered dim, with Chicago still at +5000 to win it all compared to Miami's +600. Despite the letdown, Vegas and the public still like Messi to have the last laugh in the East and lift the MLS trophy.

Quote:

“We believed we could flip the script,” said Cuypers postgame. “Everyone talked about Miami—we wanted to give Chicago something to shout about.”

Final Context:

Chicago climbs to 8th in the Eastern Conference with two matches remaining, eyeing to avoid a wildcard game, potentially jumping directly into the best of 3 series in the first round of the MLS playoffs.

For that to come through, Berhalter, Cuypers and the entire Chicago roster will need to keep their focus and not let 3 points slide at home against Toronto on October 4.

Miami, meanwhile, looks to regroup and continue climbing for position in the East. They are currently 3 points away from 2nd spot with an additional game in hand. They will host the battered New England Revs next, likely having said goodbye to their Supporters Shield chances in 2025.