Lionel Messi netted two goals, leading Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory against CF Montreal on Saturday.
This match marked Messi’s first MLS appearance in over a month, following his participation in the Club World Cup, where Miami faced a tough elimination with a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain last week. Despite that setback, Javier Mascherano’s team bounced back, securing their third win in the MLS season.
Messi showcased his brilliance once again, reaching 12 goals in just 14 matches this season.
Montreal’s lone goal came from Prince Owusu (3-13-5, 14 points), who had previously scored in two out of the team’s last three games.
Owusu put Montreal ahead early, scoring just two minutes into the match. After Messi’s pass attempt fell short, Owusu seized the ball near the top of the box, slipping it past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into the net.
In the 13th minute, Montreal’s goalkeeper Jonathan Sileau made a crucial save from a corner kick, and just two minutes later, he deflected a strike from Jordi Alba off the right post.
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In the 20th minute, Shiroa left his position to slide in and deny Tadeo Arende a golden opportunity in the penalty area, and in the 27th minute, he again thwarted a chance for Terrasco Segovia at the top of the box.
Miami eventually leveled the score in the 33rd minute, with Messi assisting Arende, who skillfully maneuvered before finding the net to make it 1-1.
Messi then put Miami ahead 2-1 in the 40th minute, cutting inside from the right and curling a low shot into the corner of the goal.
The score became 3-1 in the 60th minute when Segovia struck from outside the box, grazing the underside of the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
Two minutes later, Messi completed his brace with a spectacular solo effort, weaving through defenders from near midfield and launching a powerful shot into the net.
This report utilized information from field-level media.
Fan Take: This performance highlights Messi’s incredible impact on MLS and reinforces his status as a game-changer. For soccer fans, it underscores the growing excitement and competitiveness of Major League Soccer as top talents elevate the league’s profile.
