Messi's four-goal haul powers Miami to 7-1 victory over Montreal
Lionel Messi scored four goals and added an assist as Inter Miami defeated CF Montreal 7-1, ending a five-game winless run. The 39-year-old now leads MLS scoring with 18 goals. His coach praised his 'footballing beauty'.
Messi’s performance marked his first career four-goal game in MLS, coming as Miami snapped a five-match winless skid. His 18 league goals now lead the scoring chart, and his late free kick capped a display that included a first-half go-ahead strike and a 52nd-minute effort. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, an Argentine like Messi, struggled to articulate the display, while teammate Casemiro—a former Real Madrid rival—urged fans to savor the moment. Elsewhere, Dejan Joveljić scored twice on his Seattle debut after a $6m trade, earning a 2-2 draw against Chicago, who extended their unbeaten run to five.
This result could shift momentum in Miami’s season, potentially easing pressure on the interim coach and boosting playoff hopes. Messi’s continued dominance at 39 may also reinforce MLS’s appeal as a destination for aging stars, drawing broader attention and attendance. For fans, such performances offer spectacle, but they may also highlight reliance on one player, raising questions about team depth and long-term competitiveness.