Israeli Stars Shine in MLS as Messi and Lewandowski Clash

A busy night in Major League Soccer saw several Israeli players make significant contributions, alongside a high-profile match between Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski. The game between Inter Miami, featuring Messi, and Chicago Fire, with Lewandowski, drew a club-record crowd of 63,094 spectators. Lewandowski scored for Chicago, marking his third consecutive goal, but Messi assisted on the equalizer for Miami in the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

In other matches, Tai Baribo scored a brace for D.C. United in their crucial 2-1 victory over Columbus, bringing his team within three points of a playoff spot. This marks the first time Baribo has scored multiple goals in a single game since April, when he netted a hat-trick.

Charlotte FC's Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati were instrumental in their team's comeback win. Trailing against CF Montréal, whose fans had previously heckled Israeli player Dor Turgeman, Abada scored the equalizer before Toklomati, who came on as a substitute, netted the game-winner in an 81st-minute goal. This is the second time in two weeks that both Israeli players have scored in the same winning match.

Additionally, Aviv Fiengold, returning from a long injury layoff, provided the assist for the winning goal in the 93rd minute as New England Revolution defeated New York City FC 2-1. New England is currently competing for second place in the Eastern Conference with Inter Miami. Other Israeli players, Ran Beniamin and Iyad Abu Farchi, also saw action, with Beniamin starting for FC Dallas in their 2-1 win.