Lionel Messi delivered a dazzling performance as Inter Miami surged to a commanding 4-1 win over CF Montreal in their return to MLS action on Saturday. 

Fresh off a humbling exit from the Club World Cup, Miami wasted no time reigniting their domestic campaign—with Messi at the heart of the revival.

Despite a rocky start, where a misplaced backpass from Messi gifted Montreal an early lead through Prince Owusu's precise finish, the Argentine maestro responded emphatically. 

In the 33rd minute, Messi set up Tadeo Allende for a delightful chip over Jonathan Sirios, restoring parity. 

Seven minutes later, Messi lit up the stadium with a vintage strike—darting past Fernando Alvarez and curling the ball home to give Miami a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half saw Telasco Segovia unleash a thunderous long-range effort off the crossbar to extend the advantage in the 60th minute. 

Messi then completed his brace in mesmerizing fashion, weaving past four defenders and slotting home with surgical precision to seal the victory.

With 12 goals in 14 MLS outings and seven in his last four, Messi continues to assert his dominance stateside. “Leo is thriving,” coach Javier Mascherano said. “His presence gives us an edge—and when he’s fit, he plays.”

Miami now sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with 32 points from 17 matches and brace for a busy stretch with five games left in July. 

Mascherano praised his side’s seamless reintegration, saying, “Returning from the Club World Cup is never easy, but the players responded with excellence.”

Messi’s magic, once again, proved decisive—not just in goals, but in reigniting Miami’s MLS charge.

Source: Agencies

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