Lionel Messi dazzled with two breathtaking goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 4-1 rout of Montreal on Saturday at Saputo Stadium in Montreal, Canada, marking the team’s return to Major League Soccer (MLS) after the Club World Cup. The victory, fueled by Messi’s individual brilliance and contributions from Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, propelled Inter Miami to sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Coming off an elimination in the World Cup’s round of 16, the Florida side showcased resilience in their domestic league comeback. The match highlighted Messi’s pivotal role as the team aims to climb the MLS standings despite a backlog of postponed games.
The game started disastrously for Inter Miami. Within the first minute, a misplaced pass from Messi in defense allowed Montreal’s Prince Owusu to open the scoring. The Argentine, however, quickly redeemed himself. At the 32-minute mark, he delivered a pinpoint assist for Tadeo Allende to equalize with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Seven minutes later, Messi orchestrated the turnaround, weaving past two defenders in the box and firing a low, crossed shot past the goalkeeper.
- Key first-half moments:
- Owusu’s goal off Messi’s error.
- Messi’s assist for Allende’s equalizer.
- Messi’s solo effort for the lead.
The second half saw Inter Miami assert dominance. At the 14th minute, Telasco Segovia scored a spectacular long-range chip over Montreal’s goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Messi sealed the rout with a masterpiece: he surged through the midfield, evaded four defenders, and curled a precise shot into the net. A potential third goal for the Argentine was disallowed for a marginal offside, but his performance had already left an indelible mark on the game.
MLS return after Club World Cup
Inter Miami’s return to MLS action followed a grueling Club World Cup campaign hosted in the United States. The tournament, which halted the league for two weeks, posed logistical challenges for the Florida outfit. Finishing second in Group A with five points, Inter Miami faced Al Ahly, Porto, and Palmeiras in the group stage. Despite standout moments, including a Messi free-kick goal against Porto, the team fell 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, ending their World Cup run.
The MLS hiatus and postponed matches have left Inter Miami playing catch-up. Their win over Montreal lifted them to 32 points from 17 games, securing sixth in the Eastern Conference. Leaders Cincinnati (42 points) and Philadelphia Union (41 points) remain ahead, but Inter Miami holds four games in hand, offering a chance to close the gap in upcoming rounds.
Messi’s transformative impact
Lionel Messi remains the heartbeat of Inter Miami. Since joining the MLS in 2023, the 38-year-old has elevated the once-struggling franchise into a competitive force. Against Montreal, his influence was undeniable: beyond his goals and assist, his constant movement dismantled the opposition’s defense. His vision and execution turned the game in Inter Miami’s favor.
Messi’s numbers speak volumes. In the Club World Cup, his goal against Porto brought his career tally in the competition to six, just one shy of Pelé and Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament’s all-time leading scorers. In the MLS, his consistent brilliance continues to draw global attention to the league, redefining its competitive landscape.
- Messi’s season stats:
- 12 goals in 17 MLS games.
- 8 assists in the domestic league.
- 2 goals in the Club World Cup.
- 1.2 goal involvements per game average.
Montreal’s struggles persist
Montreal, in contrast, faces a challenging season. With 22 points from 19 matches, they languish in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Prince Owusu’s early goal briefly raised hopes, but defensive frailties were exposed against Inter Miami’s attacking prowess. Head coach Laurent Courtois acknowledged the difficulty of containing Messi but stressed the need for tactical improvements moving forward.
The loss at home adds pressure on Montreal, who have won just one of their last five games. Their next fixture, an away clash with New York Red Bulls, looms as a critical test. Meanwhile, Inter Miami prepares to face Columbus Crew on Saturday, July 12, aiming to build on their momentum.
Broader implications for MLS
Inter Miami’s emphatic win underscores the transformative effect of global superstars on the MLS. Messi’s presence not only boosts his team’s performance but also elevates the league’s profile. A sold-out Saputo Stadium, with over 19,000 fans, and worldwide broadcasts highlight the growing appeal of American soccer.
The result also signals Inter Miami’s ability to rebound from their World Cup disappointment. Head coach Gerardo Martino praised the team’s composure after conceding early, noting their control of the game despite playing away. The victory sets a positive tone for a demanding stretch ahead.
Looking ahead for Inter Miami
With several postponed matches to reschedule, Inter Miami faces a packed calendar. Upcoming fixtures against playoff contenders like Columbus Crew and New York City FC will test their depth. Consistency will be key to challenging for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference, especially with Cincinnati and Philadelphia setting a high bar.
Messi’s fitness, carefully managed by the club, remains a cornerstone of their ambitions. His performance in Montreal suggests he’s still capable of game-changing moments. Fans are hopeful he can lead Inter Miami to their first MLS title, a goal yet to be achieved since his arrival.
- Inter Miami’s postponed matches:
- Atlanta United (away, October).
- Nashville SC (home, October).
- Charlotte FC (away, November).
- Toronto FC (home, November).
The thrashing of Montreal marks a strong restart for Inter Miami. With Messi in scintillating form, the Florida side is poised for a competitive run in the MLS. His artistry continues to captivate audiences, cementing the league’s status as a destination for world-class talent.
