Messi Scores Four as Inter Miami Crushes Montreal 7-1
Lionel Messi scored four goals, including two free kicks, to lead Inter Miami to a 7-1 victory over Montreal, snapping a five-game winless streak. The 39-year-old became the first player in Inter Miami history to score four goals in a single match. Casemiro also scored his first goal of the season for Miami.
Messi's four-goal performance, featuring two free kicks, marked the first time any Inter Miami player has scored four times in a single match across all competitions. The victory lifted Miami to 42 points, second in the Eastern Conference, while Montreal remained near the bottom with 21 points. Casemiro opened the scoring in the 20th minute for his first goal of the season, and Colombian-born Alexander Shaw added his first MLS goal late in the match.
The win came under interim leadership following Cristian "Kily" González's appointment midweek, though he awaits his visa to formally join the team. Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez entered as a substitute in the 59th minute as he continues adapting to his new club. Messi has now scored in three consecutive matches, with the result ending a five-game winless stretch for Miami.
This performance could reinforce Messi's continued influence in Major League Soccer, potentially boosting league visibility and attendance as his presence draws global attention. For Inter Miami, the result may restore confidence after a difficult stretch and strengthen their playoff positioning. The match could also impact Montreal's season trajectory negatively, as they slip further from contention. Younger players like Shaw may gain increased recognition, while the result could shape perceptions of the team's coaching transition.