Lionel Messi, at 39 years of age, showcased an extraordinary performance on Saturday, scoring four goals and providing an assist to lead Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over CF Montréal in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match. This historic achievement marks the first time the Argentine superstar has scored four goals in a single MLS game, significantly contributing to Inter Miami breaking a five-game winless streak across all competitions.
The match, held at Nu Stadium, saw Messi deliver a masterclass of ‘footballing beauty’, as described by Inter Miami’s interim coach Guillermo Hoyos. His prolific output helped the club secure its largest margin of victory in its history, re-establishing Miami’s position in the league following a challenging period.
Messi’s individual brilliance was evident throughout the game. He restored Miami’s lead just before half-time, found the net again early in the second half, completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute, and sealed his outstanding display with a free kick in stoppage time. This scoring spree brings his season tally to 18 goals, placing him at the top of the MLS scoring charts.
Inter Miami’s Dominant Display
Beyond Messi’s individual heroics, the victory against CF Montréal was a comprehensive team effort. Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 20th minute with Casemiro netting his first goal for the club from a corner. Messi then restored the lead with a free-kick in the 40th minute.
The second half continued Miami’s dominance. Messi doubled the team’s advantage in the 52nd minute with a solo effort. Later, Luis Suárez contributed with a goal in the 80th minute, assisted by Messi. The closing stages of the match saw two more goals from Messi and one from Academy product Alexander Shaw in the 89th minute, marking Shaw’s first goal for the club’s First Team and in MLS, completing the 7-1 rout.
Midfielder Casemiro, who joined Inter Miami in July, spoke to Apple TV about the significance of having Messi on the team. ‘That’s what it means to have Messi on the team,’ Casemiro stated, adding, ‘We have to enjoy these moments because he is a person, a player that makes history.’ He further emphasized, ‘We saw today that we have to enjoy it, keep supporting and keep competing with him because he continues to be the best.’
Messi’s Enduring Legacy and Impact
Messi’s performance at 39 years old underscores his enduring impact on football, challenging perceptions of athlete longevity and peak performance. His continued ability to dominate games and lead goal-scoring charts in a competitive league like MLS highlights a remarkable career that includes winning the 2022 World Cup and captaining Argentina to this year’s World Cup final, where they ultimately lost to Spain.
The presence of a player like Messi, even in the later stages of his career, significantly elevates the profile of Major League Soccer on the global stage. For an international audience, his sustained excellence attracts worldwide attention to the league, impacting viewership, sponsorship, and the overall appeal of football in North America. His consistent high-level play, even at an advanced age for a professional footballer, provides valuable insights into athlete training, recovery, and tactical intelligence, making him a subject of interest for sports analysts and fans across continents.
Casemiro, a 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder, now plays alongside Messi after years of fierce rivalry in Spain, where Casemiro starred for Real Madrid and Messi for Barcelona. This transition from rival to teammate further illustrates the unique draw of Inter Miami and the evolving landscape of global football careers.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is scheduled to host Atlanta United at Nu Stadium next Saturday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET. All eyes will remain on Messi as he continues his quest for the MLS Golden Boot and Inter Miami aims to build on this historic victory.
Image: The Guardian
Sources consulted
- ESPN: Lionel Messi scores 4 goals as Inter Miami net 7 in record win
- The Guardian: Lionel Messi’s ‘footballing beauty’ hailed as Miami crush Montreal; MLS roundup
- Inter Miami CF: MATCH RECAP: Messi Poker Leads 7-1 Victory for Inter Over CF Montréal
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
