Messi Magic Leads Inter Miami to Statement Win Over Montreal

Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he’s still the most captivating figure in soccer. In a dominant 4-1 win over CF Montreal, the Argentine legend delivered a dazzling performance, notching two breathtaking goals and an assist to propel Inter Miami back into the MLS playoff hunt.

The evening at Stade Saputo began with an unexpected twist. Just two minutes in, Messi misplayed a backpass, setting up Montreal’s Prince Owusu for the opening goal. But what began as a rare mistake quickly became fuel for a masterclass. Determined to make amends, Messi orchestrated Miami’s comeback, beginning with a pinpoint assist to Tadeo Allende in the 33rd minute that knotted the score and shifted momentum decisively in Miami’s favor.

Before halftime, Messi danced through defenders and curled a trademark left-footed strike into the bottom corner. The second half brought more magic as Messi picked up the ball near midfield, glided past four blue jerseys with ease, and fired a missile into the top-right corner. By the time the dust settled, Montreal’s defenders were left shaking their heads in disbelief, unable to contain a performance that felt more like a highlight reel than a regulation match.

“It’s like he’s drawing football,” said Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, still awestruck by the display. “What he does on the field isn’t normal.”

Telasco Segovia and Allende added to the scoring, but everything flowed through Messi, whose vision and rhythm made Miami look composed and confident, far from the disjointed side that had fallen to PSG in the Club World Cup. The chemistry between Messi, Luis Suarez, and the rest of Miami’s attack has sharpened considerably, with Segovia noting, “Messi gives us a confidence we didn’t have before.”

The win lifted Inter Miami to 10th in the Eastern Conference, but with three games in hand, they are just nine points shy of second place. With Messi in this kind of form—18 goals on the season and seven goals in his last four league appearances—the idea of a deep playoff run is no longer a dream but a growing expectation.

Saturday’s performance also nudged Messi closer to yet another milestone: 1,000 career goals. With 867 goals and 385 assists already in the books, even the most ambitious targets seem possible.

Montreal, meanwhile, was overwhelmed by more than just the scoreboard. The buzz around Messi’s arrival electrified the city, drawing fans in droves to hotels, team buses, and the stadium, many wearing Messi gear and chanting his name. While it added a carnival atmosphere to the match, it also frustrated Montreal players.

“I respect Messi, we all do,” said midfielder Caden Clark. “But it’s tough to hear your fans chanting his name when you’re down 4-1.”

Despite the lopsided result, the stats were closer than they seemed—Miami outshot Montreal just 15-13 and edged possession 58-42%. But the difference was Messi, whose brilliance turned a competitive game into a showcase.

As the season heats up, Inter Miami looks like a team reborn—led by a player who continues to redefine greatness, one magical moment at a time.