Lionel Messi produced another unforgettable individual performance as Inter Miami demolished CF Montréal 7-1 in a one-sided MLS encounter.
The Argentine scored four goals and registered an assist during a devastating attacking display. Casemiro opened the scoring with his first Inter Miami goal, while Luis Suárez and A. Shaw also found the net.
Fabian Herbers briefly equalised for Montréal in the first half, but the visitors were eventually overwhelmed by Messi and an unstoppable Inter Miami attack.
From two brilliant free-kicks to a wonderful solo effort, Messi delivered a complete performance that again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest players.
Casemiro Scores His First Inter Miami Goal
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Casemiro.
The Brazilian, playing as a centre-back, moved forward at the right moment and scored his first goal since joining the MLS club.
Casemiro’s ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him an important member of the team. His experience, positioning and physical strength provide stability in defence, while his aerial ability and shooting offer an additional attacking threat.
The goal appeared to place Miami in control, but Montréal responded before the interval.
Herbers Gives Montréal Brief Hope
Fabian Herbers equalised for Montréal in the 37th minute, momentarily silencing the home crowd.
The goal provided the visitors with hope that they could compete with Inter Miami and secure a positive result. However, that belief lasted only three minutes.
Messi soon took control of the contest and transformed what had been a competitive match into a comprehensive victory.
Messi Free-Kick Begins the Show
Messi restored Miami’s advantage in the 40th minute with a powerful free-kick.
The Argentine struck the ball with precision and power, giving the goalkeeper little opportunity to prevent it from reaching the net. It was another addition to Messi’s remarkable collection of set-piece goals.
The timing was crucial. Montréal appeared ready to enter half-time level, but Messi’s intervention ensured Inter Miami regained the lead before the break.
That goal was only the beginning of his extraordinary evening.
Brilliant Solo Goal Tears Montréal Apart
Messi added his second goal in the 52nd minute—and it was arguably the finest moment of the match.
Receiving the ball with defenders in front of him, the Inter Miami captain glided past three opponents before finishing the move. The goal combined close control, balance, acceleration and composure.
Even at this stage of his career, Messi remains capable of producing moments few other players can replicate.
The strike increased Miami’s lead to 3-1 and damaged Montréal’s confidence. The visitors could no longer maintain their defensive shape as they attempted to find a way back into the game.
That created even more room for Messi and his teammates.
Messi Creates Luis Suárez’s Goal
Luis Suárez made it 4-1 in the 80th minute after being supplied by Messi.
The assist completed another excellent combination between two players whose understanding has developed across many years of playing together.
Messi drew the attention of Montréal’s defenders before delivering a perfectly weighted pass into Suárez’s path. The Uruguayan then finished the opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet.
Suárez’s goal underlined the variety of Inter Miami’s attack. While Messi provided the individual magic, Miami also displayed effective movement and combination play around the penalty area.
Messi Completes His Hat-Trick
Only three minutes after assisting Suárez, Messi scored his third goal of the evening.
His 83rd-minute finish completed the hat-trick and moved Miami into a 5-1 lead. It was another example of his remarkable ability to influence several phases of an attacking move.
Messi had already scored a free-kick, produced a superb solo goal and created one for Suárez. Completing the hat-trick placed the finishing touch on what was already a magnificent display—but the Argentine was not finished.
Shaw Adds Miami’s Sixth
A. Shaw scored in the 90th minute as Inter Miami continued attacking despite their comfortable advantage.
The sixth goal demonstrated the confidence flowing through the team. Miami maintained their movement, intensity and hunger until the closing stages rather than simply protecting the lead.
Shaw’s contribution also showed that the team possesses scoring options beyond its biggest stars. That depth will be important as Miami manage a demanding schedule and pursue domestic and continental honours.
Messi Scores His Fourth with Another Free-Kick
Messi completed the 7-1 victory with his fourth goal in the sixth minute of added time.
Fittingly, the final goal came from another free-kick. Messi once again displayed his incredible set-piece technique, sending the ball beyond the goalkeeper to conclude an astonishing individual performance.
The four-goal display included two free-kicks and a spectacular solo effort. Messi also registered an assist for Suárez, meaning he directly contributed to five of Miami’s seven goals.
It was not simply a productive performance—it was another football exhibition from one of the game’s all-time greats.
Messi’s Complete Performance by the Numbers
Messi’s contribution against Montréal was extraordinary:
- Four goals
- One assist
- Two direct free-kick goals
- One solo goal after beating three defenders
- Five direct goal contributions
- A decisive role in Miami’s 7-1 victory
The range of his contributions was particularly impressive. Messi scored from set pieces, created for a teammate and produced an individual goal through open play.
Defenders could not find an effective way to contain him. Giving away a foul near the penalty area presented one danger, but standing off allowed him to dribble or create opportunities for his teammates.
Casemiro Adds Balance to Inter Miami
While Messi deservedly claimed the headlines, Casemiro’s performance was another positive sign for Inter Miami.
Operating at centre-back, the Brazilian provided experience and composure before opening the scoring. His ability to read danger and distribute possession from the back could become important as Miami face stronger opposition.
Having Casemiro behind Messi and Suárez also provides the attacking players with greater freedom. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder understands how to protect defensive spaces and manage important moments.
His first goal for the club was a deserved reward for his contribution.
Can Inter Miami Win Major Honours?
A 7-1 victory will strengthen belief that Inter Miami can challenge for every available trophy.
Their attacking quality is unquestionable. Messi remains capable of deciding matches almost single-handedly, Suárez continues to provide goals and the supporting players are contributing more regularly.
Several factors make Miami serious contenders:
- Messi remains in sensational scoring form.
- Suárez provides experience and clinical finishing.
- Casemiro adds leadership and defensive intelligence.
- Miami possess several goalscoring options.
- The team can attack through combinations or individual brilliance.
- Confidence is growing with every convincing victory.
However, Miami must avoid becoming overly dependent on Messi. Their defensive organisation and squad depth will be tested over a complete season.
If they maintain the balance displayed in this match, major silverware is a realistic objective.
Final Match Reaction
Inter Miami’s 7-1 demolition of CF Montréal will be remembered as the Lionel Messi show.
Casemiro scored his first goal for the club before Herbers equalised for Montréal. Messi then took over, scoring twice either side of half-time, assisting Suárez and completing his hat-trick in the 83rd minute.
Shaw added the sixth before Messi converted another magnificent free-kick to score his fourth and complete the rout.
Four goals, one assist and another unforgettable performance—just Messi things.
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