Lionel Messi produced a sensational four-goal performance and added an assist as Inter Miami ended their five-match winless run with a commanding 7-1 victory over CF Montreal in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The result came as a major boost for Miami after a difficult stretch of four defeats and one draw. Messi was directly involved in five of his team's seven goals, once again proving decisive for the Florida-based club.
Montreal started aggressively and came close to scoring early, with two attempts hitting the post.
Inter Miami eventually broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Casemiro rose to meet a corner and headed the ball into the net to give Miami a 1-0 lead. It was the Brazilian midfielder's first goal for Inter Miami.
Montreal responded in the 37th minute when Fabian Herbers equalised to make it 1-1.
The parity lasted only a few minutes. In the 40th minute, Messi restored Miami's lead with a spectacular long-range strike, sending his team into halftime 2-1 ahead.
Inter Miami dominated the second half, with Messi once again at the centre of the attack.
The Argentine superstar scored his second goal in the 51st minute, extending Miami's advantage to 3-1.
The pressure continued, and Luis Suarez added Miami's fourth goal in the 79th minute after being set up by Messi.
Just four minutes later, Messi struck again to complete his hat-trick, putting Inter Miami firmly in control at 5-1.
Miami continued attacking even after the result was effectively decided.
Alexander Shaugh scored in the 89th minute to make it 6-1, before Messi completed his extraordinary night during stoppage time.
The 39-year-old forward converted a free kick in the fifth minute of added time to complete his four-goal haul and seal a remarkable 7-1 victory.
The performance marked Messi's first four-goal game in MLS. His four goals and one assist meant he directly contributed to five of Inter Miami's seven goals.
The result also ended Miami's five-game winless streak and provided a much-needed boost as the club continues its MLS campaign.
Match Result
Inter Miami 7-1 CF Montreal
Inter Miami scorers: Casemiro, Lionel Messi (4), Luis Suarez, Alexander Shaugh CF Montreal scorer: Fabian Herbers
