Sports 15 sources · today Latest coverage 30 Aug 2026, 2:21 pm UTC

Lionel Messi Scores Four as Inter Miami Crushes Montreal 7-1 in MLS

Lionel Messi delivered a stunning four-goal performance to lead Inter Miami to a 7-1 win over CF Montreal, ending a five-match losing streak and reigniting the team's MLS campaign.

By Tomas Ferreira · First published 30 Aug 2026

In brief

  1. Lionel Messi scored four goals, leading Inter Miami to a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal on August 30, 2026.
  2. The win ended Inter Miami's five-match losing streak and moved them to second in the Eastern Conference standings.
  3. Messi's performance included two free-kick goals and an assist, showcasing his skill and influence at age 39.
  4. Inter Miami's dominant display has shifted the team's morale and renewed their playoff hopes for the remainder of the season.
  5. The focus now is on maintaining momentum as Miami aims for a strong finish in the MLS regular season.
Lionel Messi Scores Four as Inter Miami Crushes Montreal 7-1 in MLS
Source: BBC - Home

Timeline · 4 moments

4 moments Open the full timeline →

Messi scores four as Inter Miami thrash Montreal

BBC - Home ↗

Messi reaches 927 career goals with four-goal game

in.gr ↗

Casemiro scores first for Miami in Messi's big night

Notícias ao Minuto ↗

Inter Miami climbs to second in Eastern Conference

BirGün ↗

How it started

Inter Miami arrived at their match against CF Montreal under pressure. The team had suffered five consecutive losses, raising questions about their form and the impact of recent emotional challenges, especially for Lionel Messi. Just weeks earlier, Messi had returned to the field following the death of his father, scoring in an emotional appearance against the Philadelphia Union.

Heading into this fixture, there were doubts about whether Miami could turn their season around. Messi, now 39, was still regarded as a key figure, but some commentators wondered if age and recent events might slow his influence.

How it unfolded

On August 30, 2026, Inter Miami faced CF Montreal in a match that quickly shifted the mood around the club. According to the BBC and several other outlets, Messi scored four goals, two of them from free kicks, showing his trademark precision and creativity.

Miami opened the scoring with Casemiro's first goal for the club, as reported by Notícias ao Minuto. Montreal managed a brief equalizer, but Miami regained control and never looked back. Along with Messi's four goals, he also provided an assist, according to World News CNA and Al Jazeera. Luis Suárez and Shaw added their names to the scoresheet, rounding out a dominant attacking display.

The win was not just about the scoreline. Inter Miami dominated possession and looked far more confident than in previous weeks. For Messi, this was the first time he scored four goals in a single MLS match, a feat that drew praise from coaches and fans alike. The team's interim coach described Messi's performance as indescribable, according to L'Équipe.

The victory placed Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference, while Montreal remained near the bottom, as noted by BirGün. The result also silenced doubts about Messi's future, at least for the moment, and shifted the focus back to Miami's playoff hopes.

Where it stands

Inter Miami has ended its losing streak in emphatic fashion. Messi's four-goal performance has been widely recognized as one of his best since joining the club, and at age 39, he continues to break records and set new milestones.

The team is now back in playoff contention, and the mood among players and supporters has shifted. With Messi leading the charge, Miami's prospects for the remainder of the season look much brighter.

What to watch

Attention now turns to whether Inter Miami can maintain this momentum. Messi's fitness and form will be closely monitored as the club pushes for a strong finish in the MLS regular season. With the playoffs approaching, every match will be crucial for Miami's ambitions.

Written from 15 outlets' coverage of this story. Every timeline entry links to the original report.

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