Lionel Messi scores 4 goals as Inter Miami net 7 in record win

In a record-breaking 7-1 victory over CF Montréal, Lionel Messi scored four goals for Inter Miami, marking the first time since joining the team that he has achieved such a feat. The Argentine superstar netted a deflected free kick in the 40th minute, followed by another goal after a remarkable solo run in the 52nd minute. After providing an assist to Luis Suárez, Messi completed his hat trick with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper with just seven minutes left in regulation time.

Deep into stoppage time, he delivered a precise free kick into the top corner of the net, solidifying his status as the leading scorer in MLS with 18 goals in just 19 games.

Miami's win, which came without interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos and with assistant coach Rafael Pérez leading the team, ended a five-game losing streak in all competitions and put them second in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing only Nashville SC. CF Montréal, which brought on new arrival and Messi's former Barcelona teammate Alexis Sánchez in the second half, currently sits at 14th place in the Eastern Conference.