On a dazzling night for Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer, the Argentine sensation netted four goals and provided an assist as Inter Miami crushed CF Montréal with a 7-1 triumph, marking the club's most significant victory in the American league's history.
The game, held at Miami's Chase Stadium with enthusiastic fans in attendance, ended a five-match winless streak across all competitions, including the Leagues Cup. It also marked the fifth consecutive win for the Herons over their Canadian adversaries.
Brazilian star Casemiro broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, heading in a corner from Telasco Segovia, scoring his first goal since joining the club in July.
Messi took center stage from there. In the 40th minute, he executed a free-kick that deflected off defender Luca Petrasso, leaving the visiting goalkeeper with no chance. Twelve minutes later, Messi showcased his individual brilliance by maneuvering past three defenders and scoring with a precise right-footed shot, making it three for the team.
Before completing his hat trick, Messi delivered a precise pass to Luis Suárez, who finished expertly for the fourth goal. In the 83rd minute, after receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, Messi chipped the goalkeeper with finesse for the fifth. In stoppage time, with the game already decided, Messi executed a free-kick with surgical precision into the side netting to complete his quartet.
Youngster Alexander Shaw added to the scoreboard in the 89th minute, netting the team's sixth goal.
This marked the eighth occasion in Messi's career where he scored four or more goals in a single match, the first since February 2020 when he achieved the feat with Barcelona against Eibar in LaLiga.
With 18 goals in 19 league matches in 2026, the Rosario native leads the MLS scoring chart, maintaining a two-goal advantage over Petar Musa of FC Dallas. Overall, Messi has amassed 32 goals this year and 928 in his illustrious career.
Additionally, Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 20 matches with two or more goals, achieving this milestone in just 72 appearances.
The match unfolded amid a coaching transition: interim coach Guillermo Hoyos was suspended by MLS for repeated violations of the punctual start policy and watched the game from the stands.
Assistant coach Rafael Pérez led the team from the sidelines. Newly appointed permanent coach Cristian "Kily" González, announced on Friday, awaits his work permits to officially take charge.
Montréal introduced Chilean player Alexis Sánchez in the second half—Messi's former teammate at Barcelona in what was his 134th appearance alongside the Argentine—yet they remain second to last in the Eastern Conference.
"This is what it means to have Messi in the team," Casemiro told Apple TV. "We must cherish these moments because he's a player making history. We need to enjoy it, support him, and compete with him, as he remains the best. With him, we're much stronger."
Hoyos, despite watching from the stands, spared no words to describe the experience: "There are no words to describe such footballing beauty. He's always seeking that goal, that play, that pass. I don't believe he's an ordinary footballer."
With this victory, Inter Miami secures second place in the Eastern Conference, although they still trail 10 points behind leaders Nashville SC.
Impact of Messi's Performance in MLS
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in the match against CF Montréal?
Lionel Messi scored four goals in the match against CF Montréal.
What was the final score of the game between Inter Miami and CF Montréal?
The final score was 7-1 in favor of Inter Miami.
Who managed Inter Miami during the match?
Assistant coach Rafael Pérez managed the team during the match.