Jordi Alba's goal in the 75th minute gave Inter Miami a 2-1 home victory over Chicago Fire on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the MLS standings, despite the injury-enforced absence of Lionel Messi. Inter's 16th win in 25 games took them to 53 points, five clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati who lost 3-1 at New York Red Bulls. Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas gave Miami the lead in the sixth minute. Saudi-born German defender Rafael Czichos equalized for the Fire in the 73rd minute before former Spain star Alba scored the winner two minutes later.