Lionel Messi delivered a historic night for Inter Miami, netting four goals and adding an assist in a 7–1 triumph over CF Montréal.
A Night of Dominance
The result marked Inter Miami’s largest winning margin in club history and secured their third win at the newly opened Nu Stadium, a venue that has quickly become a fortress for the side.
Messi entered the match tied for fourth in the MLS Golden Boot standings but finished the weekend atop the chart with 18 goals, underscoring his continued impact in his second season in the league.
The performance earned him his third consecutive MLS MVP Award, a testament to both his individual brilliance and the team’s resurgence after a string of home losses.
Coach Guillermo Hoyos praised Messi’s leadership, noting that his growth extends beyond statistics to the intangible qualities he brings to the locker room.
On the defensive end, midfielder Casemiro made his presence felt, scoring his first MLS goal and delivering key tackles that helped stabilize a backline that had been vulnerable in recent fixtures.
Veteran Rodrigo De Paul, despite a defensive lapse that allowed Fabian Herbers to find the net, contributed 10 assists this season and remains a pivotal playmaker in the midfield.
The club now looks ahead to a crucial encounter with Atlanta United, a match that could close the gap in the Supporters’ Shield race and keep Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations alive.
While the defense still has work to do, the attacking firepower displayed against Montréal offers a glimpse of the team’s potential as they aim to finish the season strong.