Lionel Messi Orchestrates Masterclass as Inter Miami Crushes CF Montreal 7-1
In a performance that will be remembered as one of the most clinical displays in Major League Soccer history, Lionel Messi guided Inter Miami to a resounding 7-1 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday. The Argentine icon was at the heart of everything, contributing directly to five of his team’s seven goals in a statement win for the Florida-based club.
A Historic Scoring Spree
The match began with a tense exchange of goals. Carlos Casimiro opened the scoring for Miami in the 20th minute, leaping high to head home a precise corner from Telasco Segovia. While Montreal’s Fabian Herbers leveled the playing field in the 37th minute, the parity was short-lived.
Messi took control of the narrative just three minutes later. Demonstrating his trademark precision, he curled in a magnificent free kick in the 40th minute—his 15th goal of the season—to restore Miami’s lead before halftime. Following the break, Messi continued his assault on the Montreal defense, finding the back of the net again in the 52nd minute to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Finishing Flourish
As the match entered the closing stages, the momentum shifted entirely in Miami’s favor. In the 80th minute, Messi turned provider, setting up Luis Suárez for a clinical strike. With his 10th assist of the campaign secured, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner shifted his focus back to his own scoring tally.
Messi completed his four-goal haul—a personal first in his MLS career—with two late strikes. He found the net in the 83rd minute and capped off the evening with a spectacular second free-kick goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
The rout was further bolstered by 18-year-old Alexander Shaw, who notched his first-ever MLS goal in the 89th minute, showcasing the depth and future promise of the Inter Miami squad.
Dominance Reaffirmed
The victory marks a significant milestone for Inter Miami, moving them to a record of 12-4-6. It is their fifth consecutive win against the Canadian side and serves as a emphatic reminder of their offensive capabilities.
Despite the valiant efforts of Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, who recorded five saves, his defense was unable to contain the relentless pressure applied by Messi and his cohorts. With this performance, Messi has significantly narrowed the gap in the MLS Golden Boot race, proving once again that even in the later stages of his storied career, he remains the most dangerous player on the pitch.
