Lionel Messi scored four goals as Inter Miami snapped their five-game winless streak with a 7-1 thrashing of struggling Montreal in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
The reigning MLS Cup champions had experienced a difficult week following the World Cup finals break, suffering four defeats in their previous five matches prior to Saturday’s fixture in Florida. However, Miami rediscovered their form in convincing fashion against a Montreal side struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Brazil international Casemiro, who joined Miami after the World Cup, bagged his first goal for the champions with a 20th minute header at the Nu Stadium. Montreal though hit back with a 37th-minute goal from Fabian Herbers, the German midfielder’s low shot from the edge of the area squeezing into the bottom corner.
Miami quickly restored their advantage in the 40th minute as Messi’s curling low free-kick deceived Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier. Shortly after the second-half restart, the 39-year-old Argentine talisman wove past several defenders before placing a firm shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.
Messi masterclass seals dominant second-half display
Messi turned creator for Inter Miami’s fourth, threading a perfect pass to former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez, who finished cleanly to extend Inter Miami’s lead.
The Argentine legend completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute, racing onto a delivery from Rodrigo De Paul before executing a delicate chip over the oncoming Gillier to push the scoreline to 5-1. Teenage substitute Alex Shaw increased the lead further in the 89th minute, driving a powerful low shot into the net from distance.
Lionel Messi capped off his dominant display in deep stoppage time, curling home another signature free-kick from the edge of the penalty area to complete his four-goal haul. The victory keeps Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing leaders Nashville by seven points.
Earlier, there were rumours of Lionel Messi taking an infinite break from football after the loss of his father. However, after a record breaking World Cup, which saw Argentina finish second, Messi is back on the pitch delivering the good for Inter Miami in America.
