Argentine maestro Lionel Messi bagged two free-kicks in a stunning four-goal haul to help Inter Miami thump CF Montreal 7-1 (Saturday, August 29).
Coming into the game, the 39-year-old forward was in top form. He had racked up 15 goal contributions in his last nine MLS fixtures and eight goals and four assists in eight games during Argentina’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
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With the game tied at 1-1, Inter Miami was awarded a free-kick on the right flank (40′). Messi’s curling ball into the box deflected off defender Luca Petrasso and goalkeeper Thomas Gillier into the back of the net.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then showed incredible skill to dribble past three defenders inside the box and sweep the ball into the net (52′).
The talisman then set up Luis Suarez for Miami’s fourth on the night (80′) before adding another to his tally with a sublime chipped finish over Gillier (83′).
Alexander Shaw’s goal (89′) made it 6-1 to the Herons on the night before they were awarded another free-kick in the dying embers of the game (90+6′). Messi curled the ball into the side netting from the edge of the box for his second set-piece goal and fourth overall on the night.
The legendary forward now has 18 goals and 10 assists in 19 games in the 2026 MLS season. Inter Miami currently sit second in the Eastern Conference (42 points in 22 games), 10 points behind leaders Nashville.
With Messi catching fire towards the business end of the season, the Florida-based outfit will be hoping to repeat their MLS Cup-winning heroics from the 2025 campaign.
“He remains the best” – Inter Miami star Casemiro makes claim after Lionel Messi’s four-goal haul in 7-1 win vs CF Montreal
Star midfielder Casemiro was full of praise for his teammate and footballing icon Lionel Messi after his four-goal haul led Inter Miami to a 7-1 win over CF Montreal (Saturday, August 29).
Upon the expiration of his contract with Premier League side Manchester United this summer, the Brazilian joined the Herons on a free transfer. He bagged the first goal of the fixture against Montreal (20′) and had the best seat in the house for the Argentine icon’s unbelievable display on the night.
Speaking to Apple TV after the game, Casemiro claimed (via @M10GOAT on X):
“This is what it means to have Messi on your team, we must enjoy these moments, because he is a person, and a player who makes history. What we saw today we must enjoy and continue to support him, and continue to compete with him, because he remains the best. And he proved that in the World Cup, and we must enjoy it with him, because with him we are truly much stronger.”
Up next, Inter Miami will be seen in action in an MLS clash against Atlanta United (Saturday, September 5).
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj
