Messi's Record Night Lights Up Inter Miami
Lionel Messi was crowned MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 23 in 2026 after a sensational performance that saw him net four goals and set up another in a 7‑1 rout of CF Montréal.
The Argentine superstar’s four‑goal haul marked his first such achievement in MLS regular‑season play and propelled him to become the fastest player in league history to reach 20 multi‑goal games, doing so in just 72 appearances.
Miami’s attack exploded for a club‑record seven goals, with Messi’s free‑kick in the 40th minute curling into the top corner before a dazzling dribble and right‑footed finish in the 52nd minute extended the lead.
A second‑half assist from veteran Landon Donovan fed Luis Suárez for the fourth goal, and Messi completed his hat‑trick with a clever chip in the 83rd minute before sealing the scoring with a precise free kick during stoppage time.
The award marked Messi’s third Player of the Matchday honor this season, pushing his total past Jeff Cunningham to second place on the all‑time list, trailing only Landon Donovan, who holds the record with 19 awards.
Media and fan voting underscored the significance of the performance, with 75 % of the decision coming from North American Soccer Reporters and the remaining 25 % from Instagram supporters.
Inter Miami will next host Atlanta United on September 5 at Nu Stadium, aiming to carry the momentum forward in a season that continues to rewrite MLS history.