Messi scores four as Inter Miami demolish Montreal 7-1 in dominant display

Inter Miami snapped a difficult August slump with a commanding 7-1 demolition of CF Montréal on Saturday night, propelled by Lionel Messi's first four-goal performance in Major League Soccer.

The victory marked Miami's first win since defeating the same Montreal side 1-0 in late July, ending a stretch that saw the club manage just one win in five matches during August. The rout came in their opening fixture without manager Guillermo Hoyos, who was replaced by Kily González, though González had not yet taken his position on the sideline for this match.

Casemiro Opens Scoring Before Messi Takes Over

Summer signing Casemiro broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, rising to meet a Telasco Segovia corner with a powerful header for his first goal in six league appearances with Inter Miami. The strike also represented Segovia's career-best ninth assist in his second MLS season.

Montreal responded quickly through Fabian Herbers, who equalized in the 37th minute with his first goal of the campaign to make it 1-1. But Messi restored Miami's advantage just three minutes later with a deflected free kick that found the net, his 15th goal of the season.

Messi Masterclass in Second Half

The 39-year-old Argentine, still displaying remarkable competitive fire according to observers, extended the lead to 3-1 in the 52nd minute with what was described as a truly marvelous goal, dancing around several defenders before finishing with his weaker foot. The reigning Golden Boot Award winner and league MVP was chasing FC Dallas's Petar Musa, who entered the day with a two-goal lead in the scoring race.

Messi turned provider in the 80th minute, delivering a vintage assist to longtime friend Luis Suárez for his 11th goal of the season, marking Messi's 10th assist of the campaign. Three minutes later, Messi completed his hat-trick with a chip over the goalkeeper to make it 5-1.

Eighteen-year-old rookie Alexander Shaw added his first professional goal in the 89th minute, burying a long-distance strike in just his third appearance and 37th minute of MLS action. Messi had the final word in the sixth minute of stoppage time, curling home another free kick to complete his poker and reach 18 goals for the season.

The comprehensive victory improved Inter Miami's record to 12-4-6 and extended their winning streak over Montreal to five consecutive matches. Thomas Gillier made five saves for Montreal (5-11-6), while Dayne St. Clair recorded three stops for the victors.

Montreal next travel to face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.