Lionel Messi put on a masterclass performance Sunday night, scoring four goals and adding an assist to lead Inter Miami CF to a dominant 7-1 victory over CF Montréal. The Argentine superstar saved his best for the second half, netting three of his four goals after the break to put the match firmly beyond reach and deliver one of the most dazzling individual performances in MLS history.
The four-goal outing marks the first time Messi has accomplished the feat in Major League Soccer since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. His ability to find space, create opportunities out of nothing, and finish with surgical precision was on full display at Chase Stadium, thrilling a sold-out home crowd that has come to expect magic from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The assist he added only underscored his vision and generosity on the ball, setting up a teammate with the kind of weighted pass that only a handful of players in the world can consistently deliver.
Inter Miami’s attack was relentless throughout the match, building on an early lead and never allowing Montréal a foothold in the contest. The 7-1 scoreline reflects not just Messi’s brilliance but the cohesion of the entire squad, which has grown increasingly fluid and confident as the MLS season progresses. With Messi healthy and in this kind of form, Inter Miami looks every bit like a championship-caliber team capable of making a deep run in the postseason.
Fans and analysts alike took to social media immediately after the final whistle to celebrate what many are calling one of the greatest individual performances in MLS history. For supporters at Chase Stadium, Sunday’s match was yet another reminder of just how fortunate American soccer has been to witness Messi’s genius up close. As Inter Miami continues to push toward the top of the Eastern Conference standings, nights like these serve as a vivid testament to what the beautiful game can look like when its greatest practitioner is firing on all cylinders. (Source: WSVN 7News / Associated Press)
Disclosure: This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on reporting from the sources listed. It has been reviewed for accuracy and editorial quality.