Inter Miami CF delivered a record-setting performance at Nu Stadium, crushing CF Montréal 7-1 in a relentless Major League Soccer display. Highlighted by a four-goal masterclass and an assist from Lionel Messi, the victory marked the largest margin of victory in Inter Miami’s history and the first time the club has ever scored seven goals in a single match.
Match Breakdown
The scoring opened in the 20th minute when midfielder Casemiro headed home a corner kick delivered by Telasco Segovia to net his first league goal for the club. CF Montréal responded in the 37th minute when Fabián Herbers capitalized on a lapse in the Miami defense to level the score at 1-1.
However, any hope of a comeback for the visitors was quickly erased. Just three minutes after Montréal’s equalizer, Messi restored Miami’s lead with a direct free kick in the 40th minute, beating goalkeeper Thomas Gillier at the near post.
Inter Miami completely overwhelmed Montréal in the second half:
52nd Minute: Lionel Messi skipped past three defenders before slotting home his second goal of the night.
80th Minute: Luis Suárez extended the lead to 4-1 after finishing a through ball from Messi.
83rd Minute: Messi completed his hat-trick with a delicate chipped finish over Gillier.
89th Minute: Rookie midfielder Alexander Shaw scored his first MLS goal via a long-range effort in just his third senior appearance.
90+6 Minute: Messi capped off his night by converting his second direct free kick of the match, becoming just the ninth player in MLS history to score two direct free kick goals in a single game.
Key Player Milestones
Lionel Messi: 4 goals, 1 assist. Recorded his 62nd career club hat-trick and became one of nine players in MLS history to score two direct free kicks in one game.
Luis Suárez: 1 goal. Converted Messi’s through ball late in the second half.
Casemiro: 1 goal. Marked his first MLS goal for Inter Miami with a 20th-minute header.
Alexander Shaw: 1 goal. Scored his first career MLS goal in his 3rd senior appearance.
Telasco Segovia: 1 assist. Registered his 9th assist of the season.