A Resounding Response
Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance on Saturday, netting four goals and adding an assist as Inter Miami CF dismantled CF Montréal in a 7-1 victory. The result marks a significant turning point for the club, effectively snapping a five-game winless streak across all competitions and setting a new franchise record for goals scored in a single MLS match.
Playing at Nu Stadium, Miami’s new home ground, the 39-year-old Argentine forward demonstrated why he remains at the center of the league’s most competitive narratives. Messi broke a 1-1 deadlock with a signature free kick in the 40th minute before adding a solo effort in the 52nd minute. He completed his hat trick by chipping Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier and capped the evening with a second long-range free kick in the closing minutes.
MVP Momentum and the Golden Boot
With this performance, Messi has propelled himself to the top of the MLS Golden Boot standings with 18 goals and 10 assists on the season, surpassing FC Dallas’s Petar Musa. His efficiency has been historic; Messi is now the fastest player in league history to record 20 multi-goal games, achieving the feat in just 72 appearances.
The offensive outburst places him squarely in the conversation for his third consecutive Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. While Inter Miami currently trails Nashville SC by 10 points in the Supporters’ Shield race, the team is aggressively positioning itself to defend its 2025 MLS Cup title. Midfielder Casemiro, who opened the scoring for Miami, emphasized the squad’s reliance on Messi’s presence, stating that the team must capitalize on his continued dominance.
Transitioning to a New Era
The win over Montréal serves as a high-water mark for the interim tenure of Guillermo Hoyos, who managed the team from the stands due to a suspension. The club is currently bracing for a leadership transition, as incoming manager Cristian ‘Kily’ González prepares to take the reins. Hoyos praised Messi’s ability to evolve, noting that the forward’s capacity for “permanent growth” at his current age remains an anomaly in professional soccer.
As Miami looks toward next Saturday’s fixture against Atlanta United, the pressure remains on the club to maintain this momentum. With the team aiming to become the first repeat MLS Cup champions since the 2011-12 LA Galaxy, Messi’s form is viewed by the coaching staff as the essential engine for their post-season ambitions.