Lionel Messi scores four goals as Inter Miami crush Montreal 7-1 | OneFootball

Lionel Messi was at the peak of his powers on Saturday as he scored four goals to help Inter Miami beat Montreal 7-1. 

It was the first time Messi had scored four goals in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match. 

Miami were on a five-game winless run in all competitions, but they returned to winning ways thanks to a vintage performance from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Casemiro delivered a breakthrough in the 20th minute by heading past the goalkeeper. 

Fabian Herbers levelled the scores with a brilliant finish outside the box before Messi restored their advantage with a deflected free-kick prior to half-time. 

Miami came out all guns blazing in the second half. 

Messi struck his second on the night following a weaving run before setting up Luis Suarez for the Herons’ fourth. 

Alexander Shaw got his name on the scoresheet in the 89th minute. 

Messi completed his hat-trick with a dink over the onrushing goalkeeper and added another in stoppage-time with a superb free-kick. 

The Argentina international has turned 39, but age does not affect him. 

He has scored 18 MLS goals this season, making him the league’s top scorer. 

Since joining Miami in 2023, Messi has bagged 97 goals and 54 assists in 111 appearances across all competitions. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.