The MLS meeting between Robert Lewandowski's Chicago Fire and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami featured a heated altercation between Lewandowski and Rodrigo De Paul.

The match itself ended 1-1, but the events of the closing minutes of the encounter were more memorable than the scoreline.

Over 62,000 fans were in attendance at Soldier Field for the clash of giants with Messi meeting Lewandowski for the first time in MLS.

The defining moment of the game arrived late in the second half as De Paul clashed with Lewandowski, forcing referee Jair Marrufo to intervene.

Rodrigo De Paul and Robert Lewandowski Clash Late in Chicago

Inter Miami were about to defend a set-piece in the 88th minute, when defender Ian Fray bumped into Chicago Fire striker Robert Lewandowski away from the ball.

Unhappy with the defender, Lewandowski shoved him, prompting Fray to shove him back and send the 38-year-old to the ground before running back to defend the free-kick.

Lewandowski chased after the 24-year-old to confront him, and Rodrigo De Paul, not one to shy away from confrontations, joined in.

The Argentine midfielder began pushing and shoving Lewandowski in defence of his teammate Fray, prompting teammate Maximiliano Falcon to step between them, and also attracting the attention of referee Marrufo.

After they were separated, De Paul continued speaking to Lewandowski, prompting an amused chuckle from the former Barcelona striker.

According to Marca, the 32-year-old midfielder repeatedly challenged the striker and referenced his achievements with the national team during the confrontation.

"Who the hell are you, you fool? I won two Copa Américas and a World Cup, you?," he repeated.

Lewandowski appeared amused and eventually moved away from De Paul before laughing about the incident with Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright

Lewandowski and Casemiro Trade Goals at Soldier Field

Lewandowski and his Chicago Fire team already faced Inter Miami in his MLS debut in July, but the Herons were without Lionel Messi and Casemiro for that game.

This time, the headline names were available at Soldier Field, and they traded goals in the 1-1 draw.

Only ten minutes had passed since kick-off when Lewandowski latched onto a cross from Andrew Gutman inside the box to fire beyond Dayne St. Clair in the Herons' goal.

The visiting team responded thanks to a now-common theme, with Messi setting up Casemiro with a cross, and the Brazilian looping a header over Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady.

Despite late pressure from both sides, both defences held firm to seal a point apiece.

Rodrigo De Paul Controls Midfield Despite Late Clash

Rodrigo De Paul enjoyed a fine outing for Inter Miami in the game against Chicago Fire despite his altercation with Lewandowski late in the game.

With interim coach Guillermo Hoyos deploying Casemiro at centre-back, De Paul played at the base of the midfield for his side, and he registered the most touches of any player in the game.

He completed 63 of 74 passes (85% accuracy) while recording seven ball recoveries and two interceptions.

Operating as the primary dictator of tempo for his side, his physical edge and distribution kept Inter Miami competitive throughout a demanding away fixture.

The Herons have now won just one of their last eight games across multiple competitions, but remain in second place in the Eastern Conference standings.