The Argentine scored two outstanding goals to secure all three points in Miami's return to MLS from the Club World Cup
Lionel Messi shook off an early miscue to score a brace and hand Inter Miami a crucial three points on the road Saturday evening as the defeated CF Montreal 4-1 in their first match back from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Argentine, who scored twice during the victory, was joined on the scoresheet by winger Tadeo Allende and midfielder Telasco Segovia as the South Beach club stormed the Canadian side's stadium to secure the win.
The hosts opened the scoring on the evening, finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match after Messi gave the ball away just outside Miami's box. Montreal forward Prince Owusu capitalized, putting the ball in the back of the net with ease. From there on out, though, it was all Miami.
The drew level with Allende off a Messi assist in the 33rd minute after an onslaught of pressure, and then Messi himself found his first of the match – the game-winner – on the cusp of halftime.
The Argentine, fed by a Luis Suarez header, dribbled past two defenders before curling home into the side netting to give Miami a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute. In the second half, the South Beach club continued to put pressure on, and the third arrived in the 60th minute from Segovia, who scored an outstanding curling strike to give them a two-goal lead with 30 minutes to spare.
Just two minutes after Segovia's lovely effort, Messi found himself on the ball again and proceeded to produce a true moment of magic. The Argentine, fed by Suarez again, dribbled past the entire Montreal defense with delightful footwork to find the back of the net for his second of the night — with what might be his best goal of the season so far from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Following that moment, Miami would coast through the remainder of the contest to secure the result and all three points.
With the result, the moved to 32 points on the season with 17 matches played.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Stade Saputo…
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGoalkeeper & Defense
Oscar Ustari (6/10):
Not much he could do about the opener, but no goalkeeper will be thrilled seeing a ball go through their legs. Reliable in net otherwise.
Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):
Miscommunication with Messi led to Montreal's opener, but he recovered well otherwise.
Maxi Falcon (8/10):
Really solid performance at center back, highlighted by his aggression on and off the ball. Miami's best defender all night long.
Tomas Aviles (7/10):
Good on the ball while playing out of the back, and quietly played his role effectively. Overall, a great performance.
Jordi Alba (6/10):
Helped progress the ball up the pitch well in moments, but never found his groove on the front foot. Quiet going forward, but composed defensively.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Telasco Segovia (8/10):
World-class finish for Miami's third. He had a quiet performance all night until his otherworldly strike midway through the second half.
Benjamin Cremaschi (7/10):
A quiet evening in a more defensive role. Played as a box-to-box midfielder alongside Busquets and fit comfortably. Well-rounded performance.
Sergio Busquets (6/10):
Solid at the No. 6 spot, didn't put a foot wrong all evening.
Getty Images SportAttack
Lionel Messi (9/10):
Two incredible goals from the Argentine saw him at his best in and around the box for Miami. A truly magical performance.
Luis Suarez (7/10):
Two great assists for both of Messi's goals, but rather ineffective inside the box otherwise.
Tadeo Allende (8/10):
Fantastic performance. Brilliant strike to open the scoring for Miami, and was lively all evening on the wing.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Federico Redondo (N/A):
Brought on in the closing stages to run the midfield.
Hector Martinez (N/A):
Introduced with 18 minutes to spare, helped close out the match with a solid defensive performance.
Baltasar Rodriguez (N/A):
Handed surprising minutes late with Miami up three goals. He looked confident on the ball in his cameo.
Fafa Picault (N/A):
Subbed on with seven minutes to spare.
Ryan Sailor (N/A):
Brought on with four minutes for his first appearance since May.
Javier Mascherano (8/10):
No complaints, really. One can ask why he kept both Messi and Suarez in the game while up three goals, but both left the pitch without injury. That could backfire in the future, though. Overall, a good performance and a proper three points on the road. Good result upon return from the Club World Cup.
