Lionel Messi put on a masterclass performance, scoring four goals and providing an assist to guide Inter Miami to a historic 7-1 victory over CF Montréal. The emphatic win marks the largest margin of victory in Inter Miami’s history and brings an end to a troubling five-match winless streak across all competitions, which had included a series of disappointing League Cup outings.
The match began under a cloud of uncertainty for Inter Miami, who were operating without a permanent head coach on the touchline. Newly appointed manager Cristian ‘Kily’ González was unable to assume duties as he awaited his work permit. To compound matters, interim manager Guillermo Hoyos was serving a touchline ban, leaving assistant coach Rafael Pérez to direct the squad.
Despite the managerial turbulence, Inter Miami dominated from the outset. Brazilian star Casemiro opened the scoring, netting his first goal for the club since joining during the summer transfer window. Messi doubled the advantage in the 40th minute, converting a curling free-kick that took a deflection off the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.
In the 52nd minute, Messi produced a trademark solo run, driving through the opposition defence to score his second of the night. Shortly afterwards, the Argentine playmaker turned provider, setting up long-time teammate Luis Suárez for Inter Miami’s fourth. Seven minutes from time, Messi completed his hat-trick with a delicate chip over the advancing Montréal goalkeeper. He capped off his sensational evening deep into stoppage time, executing a second precise free-kick that found the top corner of the net.
The remaining goal came in the 89th minute, courtesy of 18-year-old talent Alexander Shaw.
| Match Statistic / Key Metric | Performance Details |
| Final Match Score | Inter Miami 7–1 CF Montréal |
| Lionel Messi’s Goal Tally | 4 Goals (40′, 52′, 83′, 90+2′) |
| Lionel Messi’s Assist Count | 1 Assist (Setting up Luis Suárez) |
| Casemiro’s Contribution | Debut goal for Inter Miami |
| Alexander Shaw’s Goal | 89th minute (Aged 18) |
| Messi’s Career Four-Goal Games | 8th time in career (1st for Inter Miami) |
| Previous Four-Goal Game for Messi | February 2020 (Barcelona vs Eibar) |
| Messi’s MLS Season Record | 18 Goals in 19 Matches |
| Top MLS Goalscorer Ranking | 1st Place: Lionel Messi (18 goals) |
| Second MLS Goalscorer Ranking | 2nd Place: Petar Musa, FC Dallas |
| Inter Miami Streak Ended | 5-match winless run (1st win since 25 July) |
| Inter Miami Conference Position | 2nd Place in Eastern Conference |
| CF Montréal Conference Position | 14th Place in Eastern Conference |
| Eastern Conference Leaders | Nashville SC |
This performance marks the eighth time in Messi’s illustrious career that he has scored four or more goals in a single match, and his first since February 2020, when he accomplished the feat for FC Barcelona against Eibar. The four-goal haul propels Messi to the top of the Major League Soccer (MLS) scoring charts, bringing his total to 18 goals in 19 appearances, ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.
With this commanding result, Inter Miami consolidate second place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings behind leaders Nashville SC. CF Montréal remain languishing near the bottom of the table in 14th position.
