Messi Magic Leads Inter Miami to a Dominant 7–1 Victory Over CF Montréal

By Alonso Contreras

Inter Miami CF delivered one of its most dominant performances of the season, crushing CF Montréal 7–1 in a match that featured four goals in the final 18 minutes and another brilliant performance from Lionel Messi.

Miami controlled the match for long stretches and eventually turned the game into a rout, with Messi scoring a hat trick, including two spectacular free-kick goals, as Inter Miami continued to show its attacking power.

Casemiro Opens the Scoring

Inter Miami took the lead in the 20th minute after sustained pressure. Carlos Casemiro rose inside the box and headed home a cross from Telasco Segovia to make it 1–0.

The hosts had already threatened moments earlier, with Casemiro hitting the post and Germán Berterame having an effort blocked.

Montréal, however, responded.

In the 37th minute, Fabian Herbers leveled the match with a well-placed right-footed shot from outside the box, assisted by Noah Streit and Dawid Bugaj.

The visitors had their chances to take control, but Dayne St. Clair made an important save to deny Hennadii Synchuk.

Then came Messi.

Messi Restores Miami's Lead

In the 40th minute, Lionel Messi stepped up for a free kick from the right side and produced another moment of individual brilliance. His left-footed strike curled into the top-right corner, leaving the Montréal goalkeeper with little chance.

Inter Miami entered halftime with a 2–1 advantage.

Messi Takes Over After the Break

Miami came out of the locker room determined to put the match away.

In the 52nd minute, Messi scored again, this time finishing from inside the box with his left foot to extend the lead to 3–1.

Montréal attempted to respond and created several opportunities, but St. Clair and the Miami defense held firm.

The game changed completely in the final 10 minutes.

Suárez Joins the Party

In the 80th minute, Luis Suárez added Miami's fourth goal. Messi provided the assist, combining with his longtime attacking partner before Suárez finished from the right side of the box.

Three minutes later, Messi completed his hat trick.

The Argentine received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and calmly finished from inside the box to make it 5–1.

Miami wasn't finished.

A Seven-Goal Statement

In the 89th minute, Alexander Shaw added another goal with a composed finish from outside the box, putting Miami six goals to one ahead.

Then, deep into stoppage time, Messi stepped over another free kick.

At 90'+6, the Inter Miami captain delivered one final piece of magic, sending his left-footed strike into the middle-right portion of the goal to complete the scoring at 7–1.

The final whistle confirmed a dominant night for Inter Miami.

Final Score

Inter Miami CF 7–1 CF Montréal

⚽ 20' Carlos Casemiro — Miami

⚽ 37' Fabian Herbers — Montréal

⚽ 40' Lionel Messi — Miami

⚽ 52' Lionel Messi — Miami

⚽ 80' Luis Suárez — Miami

⚽ 83' Lionel Messi — Miami

⚽ 89' Alexander Shaw — Miami

⚽ 90'+6 Lionel Messi — Miami

Messi's performance was the headline, but Inter Miami's victory was a complete team effort. With Casemiro opening the scoring, Suárez contributing a goal and an assist, De Paul providing creativity, and Miami finishing the match with relentless attacking pressure, the result was a powerful statement.