Messi's Four-Goal Eruption Lifts Inter Miami to Dominant Victory
Lionel Messi scored four times, including a free kick and a chip, as Inter Miami crushed CF Montréal 7-1. The 39-year-old now leads MLS with 18 goals this season, and the win snapped Miami's winless stretch dating back to early August. It was Messi's first four-goal match since 2020.
Messi's four-goal outburst came in three distinct phases of the match, beginning with a deflected free kick just before halftime that doubled Miami's lead. He then weaved through multiple defenders for a right-footed finish in the 52nd minute, completed his hat trick with a delicate chip over goalkeeper Thomas Gillier after a feed from Rodrigo De Paul, and added a stoppage-time free kick for the exclamation point.
The result marked Miami's first victory since Aug. 5, ending a winless stretch that had lasted nearly a month. Messi's 18 league goals lead all MLS players in 2026, and Saturday's performance was the eighth time in his career he has scored four or more goals in a single match, with the previous instance coming during his Barcelona days in 2020.
A performance like this from Messi could reinvigorate fan interest in MLS at a moment when the league's marquee star had been quiet during Miami's recent struggles. His continued scoring pace may draw more casual viewers to the sport, potentially boosting attendance and broadcast numbers for the remainder of the season. It could also shift competitive dynamics, as Miami's resurgence may alter playoff positioning and make them a more formidable opponent for other contenders.