MLS: Messi hits 927 career goals with four strikes against Montreal

Lionel Messi extended his career goal tally to 927 on Saturday following a stellar display for Inter Miami in a 7-1 triumph over CF Montreal in Major League Soccer. The 39-year-old Argentine forward netted twice in the first half and added two more after the break, ending a five-game winless streak for Inter Miami. His first goal came in the 40th minute via a free-kick, giving Miami a 2-1 lead following Montreal's equalizer through Fabian Herbers.

Messi doubled his tally seven minutes later, displaying deft control to score in the bottom right corner after threadbare through defenders. He assisted former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez for the fourth goal, before completing a hat-trick in the 83rd minute with a well-executed chip over Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier. Substitute Alex Shaw added Miami's sixth goal in the 89th minute, with Messi sealing his four-goal haul with another free-kick deep into stoppage time.

The victory renewed Inter Miami's momentum, ending their five-game winless run and securing second place in the Eastern Conference. Messi, a former Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Argentina player, also moved to the top of the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals this season.