Four-Goal Messi Masterclass Powers Inter Miami To Stunning 7-1 Win

Lionel Messi produced another extraordinary performance on Saturday night, scoring four goals and providing an assist as Inter Miami overwhelmed CF Montreal 7-1 in a spectacular MLS encounter.

The match was level at 1-1 before Messi took complete control. The Argentine superstar opened his account in the 40th minute, converting a free kick to put Miami back in front after Montreal had cancelled out the hosts' early advantage.

Messi struck again in the 52nd minute, extending Inter Miami's lead and setting the stage for a remarkable individual performance. He then completed his four-goal haul late in the contest, finding the net in the 83rd minute before adding another in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with his final goal also coming from a free kick.

His four-goal display was his first such performance in MLS play, while his assist for Luis Suárez added another highlight to an already remarkable evening.

Inter Miami had taken the lead in the 20th minute through Carlos Casimiro, who headed home from a corner delivered by Telasco Segovia. The goal was the midfielder's first of the league season, while Segovia registered his ninth assist of the campaign.

Montreal briefly restored parity in the 37th minute when Fabian Herbers scored his first goal of the season.

But the visitors could not contain Miami after Messi restored the lead. Suárez added the fourth in the 80th minute, converting Messi's assist, before 18-year-old rookie Alexander Shaw scored his first MLS goal in the 89th minute.

Miami's victory was its fifth straight against Montreal and marked another emphatic result for a side that had entered the match seeking to regain momentum after a quieter August.

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made three saves for Inter Miami, while Montreal's Thomas Gillier was forced into five stops.

The result moved Inter Miami to a 12-4-6 record, while Montreal slipped to 5-11-6.