Inter Miami faced an early scare in their Major League Soccer (MLS) return on Saturday night, conceding just two minutes into the game against CF Montreal. Lionel Messi, attempting a risky pass near midfield, inadvertently gifted possession to Montreal’s Prince Owusu. The Ghanaian forward made no mistake, driving the ball through Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s legs to hand the hosts a surprising 1-0 lead.
The goal seemed to catch Miami off-guard, and the visitors struggled to settle into the rhythm of the match. Montreal capitalized on the momentum, with goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois producing a series of impressive saves to keep Miami at bay. In quick succession, Sirois denied opportunities from a corner, tipped Jordi Alba’s strike onto the post, and slid off his line to block Tadeo Allende’s clear chance in the 20th minute. Montreal appeared poised to control proceedings until Lionel Messi and company turned the tide.
Messi Sparks Miami Revival with Clinical Brilliance
Despite the rocky start, Inter Miami gradually found their footing, and it was no surprise that Lionel Messi was the catalyst. In the 33rd minute, the Argentine maestro picked out Tadeo Allende just outside the penalty box. With composure and precision, Allende took a few strides forward before unleashing a low rocket past Sirois to bring the game level at 1-1.
The equalizer boosted Miami’s confidence, and just seven minutes later, Messi delivered another moment of individual brilliance. Receiving the ball near the right side of the box, he cut inside on his favored left foot and curled a low shot into the far bottom corner to give Miami a 2-1 lead. The goal—Messi’s ninth of the MLS season—showcased his trademark finesse and clinical finishing, igniting cheers from the travelling Miami supporters.
By half-time, the visitors had not only overturned the deficit but also taken complete control of the match, with Messi’s influence growing by the minute.
Second-Half Dominance: Miami Turns the Screw
The second half saw Inter Miami maintain their grip on the match as Montreal struggled to respond to the relentless pressure. In the 60th minute, midfielder Telasco Segovia extended Miami’s advantage with a thunderous strike from outside the box that clipped the underside of the crossbar before finding the net. The goal epitomized Miami’s attacking flair and left Montreal’s defense scrambling.
Barely two minutes later, Lionel Messi once again stamped his authority on the game. Picking up the ball near midfield, he embarked on a dazzling solo run, weaving through multiple defenders. Although he briefly lost control inside the box, the Montreal backline failed to clear, allowing Messi to recover and smash a high shot past the helpless goalkeeper for his second of the night.
With the score at 4-1, the contest was effectively over, and Miami comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to record their third consecutive MLS victory.
Messi’s Impact Reverberates: Praise from Mascherano and Beyond
Lionel Messi’s masterclass did not go unnoticed. Argentina U23 coach and former international teammate Javier Mascherano, in a post-match interview, hailed Messi’s performance, calling it “a privilege to watch and an honor to train him.” Mascherano praised Messi’s continued passion and joy for the game, qualities that have fueled his longevity at the highest level.
Fans and pundits alike lauded the 37-year-old’s ability to dictate play and produce moments of magic seemingly at will. His two goals and one assist were not only crucial in securing the victory but also served as a testament to his enduring brilliance in a new footballing environment.
For Inter Miami, Messi’s presence continues to be transformative—both in terms of results and global attention.
Context and What Lies Ahead for Inter Miami
Saturday’s emphatic win marked Inter Miami’s first MLS outing since their disappointing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup. Prior to that, Miami had gone four league games without a win, raising concerns about form and fatigue. However, this latest performance—dominated by sharp attacking play and defensive resilience—signals a potential resurgence.
With the victory, Miami extends their winning streak to three games in MLS, climbing higher in the Eastern Conference standings. The team now shifts focus to maintaining momentum in the congested summer schedule, where every point will be crucial in the playoff race.
Lionel Messi’s influence remains central to their ambitions. As long as he continues to dazzle on the pitch, Inter Miami’s aspirations of silverware and success look increasingly within reach.
