Four-goal Messi fires Inter Miami back to winning ways

Miami's Lionel Messi scored four goals as Inter Miami ended a five-game winless run with a convincing 7-1 victory over struggling Montreal on Saturday in Major League Soccer. The Brazilian international's goal was his first for the champions, coming in the 20th minute with a header at the Nu Stadium. Montreal responded with a goal in the 37th minute, with German midfielder Fabian Herbers scoring with a low shot from the edge of the area.

Miami quickly regained the lead, with Messi scoring a low curling free-kick in the 40th minute that deceived Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier. Messi extended Miami’s lead shortly after halftime, weaving through Montreal defenders before drilling a shot into the bottom corner. The Argentine superstar played a pivotal role in the fourth goal, setting up former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez to finish and seal an emphatic win.

Messi scored his third goal on 83 minutes, latching onto a Rodrigo De Paul pass and delicately dinking the ball over the advancing Gillier. In the 89th minute, teenage substitute Alex Shaw added a sixth goal with a low shot from outside the area. Messi capped off his performance with a fifth goal, curling a free kick in the dying minutes of stoppage time.

The victory saw Miami return to second place in the Eastern Conference, just seven points behind league leaders Nashville, who were facing opponents later on Saturday.