Lionel Messi produced another extraordinary display as Inter Miami ended their recent winless run with a record-breaking 7-1 victory over CF Montréal. The Argentine superstar scored four times, including two free-kicks, and also created a goal for Luis Suárez as Miami secured the biggest victory in the club’s history.
The result was particularly significant given Miami’s recent struggles. The club had gone five matches without a victory across all competitions, including Leagues Cup fixtures, and were still dealing with uncertainty over their coaching situation. Yet on a night when the team needed a response, Messi once again became the decisive figure.
He opened the scoring in the 40th minute from a free-kick. The effort struck the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net, giving Miami the lead before half-time.
Messi was not finished. Seven minutes into the second half, he doubled the advantage after carrying the ball forward himself and finishing the move. He then turned provider, helping Luis Suárez get on the scoresheet as Miami continued to dominate.
With seven minutes of normal time remaining, Messi completed his hat-trick in characteristically composed fashion. With the goalkeeper advancing, he lifted the ball delicately over him and watched it drop into the net.
Even that was not the end of his night.
During stoppage time, Messi stepped up for another free-kick. This time, he found the corner of the net directly, completing a four-goal performance and putting the final gloss on Miami’s historic win.
The achievement added another landmark to Messi’s remarkable career. It was the eighth occasion on which he has scored at least four goals in a single match. It was also his first four-goal game since joining Inter Miami. His previous four-goal performance came in February 2020, when he scored four times for Barcelona against Eibar in La Liga.
Messi’s latest scoring spree also strengthened his position at the top of the Major League Soccer scoring chart. He now has 18 goals in 19 matches, with FC Dallas forward Petar Musa behind him in the standings.
The victory was equally important for Miami as a team. Their previous MLS win had come on 25 July, making the triumph over Montréal their first league victory since then. The five-match winless spell had placed additional pressure on a side still competing near the top end of the Eastern Conference.
Miami entered the match without a permanent head coach on the touchline. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos was suspended and therefore unable to oversee the match from the technical area. His absence meant assistant coach Rafael Pérez took charge from the sidelines.
The club had announced Cristian ‘Kily’ González as their new permanent head coach during the week, but he has yet to begin his duties because he is still awaiting the necessary work authorisation.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the coaching position, Miami produced their most emphatic performance of the recent period. Brazilian star Casemiro also opened his Miami scoring account after joining the club during the summer, while 18-year-old Alexander Sh added another goal in the 89th minute.
The result leaves Miami second in the Eastern Conference, with Nashville SC occupying top spot. Montréal, meanwhile, remain 14th and close to the bottom of the standings.
For Miami, the 7-1 scoreline represents more than three points. It ends a frustrating run, sets a new club record for the biggest victory and, above all, underlines once again the extraordinary influence Messi can have when the team needs him most. Four goals, an assist and two spectacular free-kicks made the Argentine the unmistakable centrepiece of a night that will go down as one of Inter Miami’s most memorable performances.
