Lionel Messi produced another extraordinary performance in Major League Soccer, scoring four goals and assisting once as Inter Miami swept aside CF Montréal 7-1.
The emphatic victory ended Miami’s five-match winless run and set a new club record for the biggest winning margin in a single match. Messi’s four-goal haul also took his MLS tally for the season to 18, moving him to the top of the league’s Golden Boot race.
Messi’s brilliance left Inter Miami’s interim coach Guillermo Hoyos struggling to find the right words to describe his performance.
Hoyos said Messi’s influence on a match goes far beyond goals, pointing to his movement, passing and constant search for opportunities. According to the coach, Messi is not an ordinary footballer and his ability is so exceptional that describing it can leave people almost speechless.
Casemiro impressed by Messi
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who recently joined Inter Miami after his spell with Real Madrid, also praised his new teammate.
For years, Casemiro experienced Messi’s ability as an opponent in major matches. Now, he has the opportunity to play alongside the Argentine superstar.
Casemiro said having Messi on the team is something the players should appreciate. He described Messi as a player who continues to make history and insisted that his presence makes the entire team stronger.
The Brazilian also pointed to Messi’s continued excellence at the highest level, saying his performances have shown that he remains among the very best in the game.
A historic night for Miami
Inter Miami opened the scoring through Casemiro, who headed home his first goal for the club. Montréal briefly restored parity through Fabian Herbers, but Messi soon put Miami back in front with a free-kick.
He added another after a brilliant individual run, then completed his hat-trick with a delicate finish over the goalkeeper. Messi later provided the assist for Luis Suárez before scoring his fourth in stoppage time with another free-kick. Alexander Shaw also scored as Miami completed the 7-1 rout.
The performance marked Messi’s first four-goal game in MLS and reinforced his extraordinary influence on Inter Miami at the age of 39.
