Lionel Messi owned the Stade Saputo in Montreal on Saturday night. The Argentine sensation put on a classic display in his first MLS game after Inter Miami’s Club World Cup elimination, scoring twice and dishing out an assist to help his team defeat CF Montréal 4-1. It was a display of brilliance, tenacity, and pure magic that demonstrated why Messi is still the center of this Miami team.
Early Shock—and Immediate Response
The match got off to an unexpected start. Messi’s early mistake gave the ball to Prince Owusu just two minutes in, and he wasted no time in putting it past Óscar Ustari to give Montréal an unexpected early lead.
Miami, however, didn’t take long to reply. A crisp Messi pass in the 33rd minute allowed Tadeo Allende to equalize with a well-taken goal, demonstrating Messi’s ability to have an impact on the game that goes beyond scoring.
Messi’s First Goal: Tie-Breaker Before Half
Messi continued past the assistant. He got a header from Luis Suárez, slid past two players, and curled the ball into the far post to give his team the lead in the 40th minute. It was classic Messi: calm, calculating, and relentless.
Second Half Taken Over: Messi and Segovia Finish Off the Domination
Edmonton swiftly ended Montreal’s attempt to continue the game. Telasco Segovia made it 3-1 early in the second half with a spectacular long-range screamer that went low off the crossbar into the net.
Messi’s second came two minutes later. This time, he was in incredible shape and calmly finished after dribbling past four opponents in a frantic run. It was a memorable moment that brought back memories of his best Barcelona years.
Historic Run: Messi Enters Elite MLS Company
Messi’s legacy was cemented with that brace and assist. He became the first player since Thierry Henry in 2012 to record at least two goals and one assist in three straight games, and only the third player in MLS history to do so, according to the match report. His reputation as one of the league’s most dominant and captivating players is cemented by this accomplishment.
Defender Praises Messi’s Skills
CF Montréal defender George Campbell was left in awe, noting:
“He changes directions faster than anyone I’ve seen … Sometimes you just can’t keep up.”
Campbell’s appreciation captures the annoyance that every defender experienced as Messi’s speed, agility, and vision tore Montréal’s defense apart time and time again.
A Return with Flair After Club World Cup
That this was Messi and Miami’s first MLS game after their 4-0 loss to PSG at the Club World Cup is not lost on anyone. The squad’s confidence might have been shaken by that defeat, but they rallied magnificently instead. Head coach Javier Mascherano hailed his team’s speedy recuperation and concentration, describing it as “a great night” that refocused the team’s MLS aspirations.
Standout Stats Snapshot
Messi: 2 goals, 1 assist—continuing a three-game streak with at least 2G+1A
Tadeo Allende: 1 goal, began scoring surge
Telasco Segovia: 1 long-range beauty
CF Montréal: Early Owusu goal, but remained bottom of Eastern Conference
The Bigger Picture for Miami
With multiple games remaining, Inter Miami has solidified their place in the Eastern Conference playoff rankings and now has 32 points with a 9–3–5 record. Messi’s performance is undoubtedly crucial to any title goals, but what’s really important is his capacity to motivate teammates like Allende, Segovia, Suárez, and Busquets.
Now that the all-driver three has returned to MLS play following international duty, Miami’s attention is on sustaining this momentum. What’s their next test? a difficult midweek matchup on July 9 against the New England Revolution.
Final Whistle: Messi’s Masterclass
Lionel Messi is still captivating at the age of 38. Whether he was creating, scoring, or just commanding play, this performance in Montreal served as a reminder of his timeless genius. That brilliant play was the driving force for Miami’s resounding 4-1 victory, but the Herons’ outstanding performance as a whole was what made the evening in Canada unforgettable.
Not only has Messi made a comeback, he has taken over. And his magic will continue to be the foundation around which Inter Miami will build as the season progresses.