From Error to Brilliance: Messi Leads Inter Miami to 4-1 Win

Lionel Messi turned early embarrassment into a show of brilliance in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over CF Montréal, ESPN reported. The Argentine started the match with a rare blunder that gifted the hosts an opening goal but responded with two goals, an assist, and a solo masterpiece.

Less than two minutes in, Messi misplayed a back pass that allowed Prince Osei Owusu to score. But at the 33-minute mark, he assisted Tadeo Allende for the equalizer. Seven minutes later, Messi took a header from Luis Suárez, beat a defender, and curled the ball into the far corner to make it 2-1 before halftime.

Telasco Segovia added a third with a powerful long-range strike at the hour mark. Just moments later, Messi picked up the ball near midfield, dribbled past several defenders, and slotted home a stunning goal for the 4-1. He even scored again late in the match, but the hat-trick was ruled out for offside.

Since joining MLS in mid-2023, Messi has recorded 52 goals and 25 assists in 64 appearances, becoming Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer and winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield. With 32 points from 17 games, the team remains firmly in playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.