MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada – Inter Miami CF marked their return to Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season action following their Club World Cup exit with a resounding 4-1 road victory over CF Montréal on Saturday, July 6, 2025. The match, held at Stade Saputo in Montreal, saw a captivating performance led by captain Lionel Messi, who delivered a pivotal display, scoring two goals and providing a crucial assist.
Inter Miami demonstrated resilience after falling behind early, ultimately overwhelming their Canadian hosts with a dominant offensive showing that underscored their ambitions in the Eastern Conference.
Early Challenge at Stade Saputo
The atmosphere at Stade Saputo was electric as CF Montréal kicked off, and the home side wasted no time in making their presence felt. Just two minutes into the contest, forward Prince Owusu found the back of the net, giving CF Montréal an early 1-0 lead. The swift opener put Inter Miami under immediate pressure and tested their resolve in their first MLS match since the international break and the Club World Cup campaign.
However, the early setback appeared to galvanize the visitors. Inter Miami, featuring a lineup designed for control and penetration, gradually began to assert themselves, probing the Montréal defense.
Miami’s First-Half Comeback
Inter Miami’s response to the early deficit was both measured and decisive. Their persistence paid off in the 33rd minute when Tadeo Allende leveled the score. The equalizer came courtesy of an assist from Lionel Messi, who demonstrated his playmaking ability by setting up Allende’s finish. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in Inter Miami’s favor.
The visitors pressed their advantage, and just seven minutes later, in the 40th minute, they took the lead. The go-ahead goal was a moment of classic South American synergy, with Luis Suárez providing the assist for Lionel Messi to score his first of the match. This strike ensured Inter Miami headed into halftime with a 2-1 lead, having successfully navigated the early scare and established control.
Second-Half Domination Seals Victory
The second half saw Inter Miami build upon their halftime lead with clinical efficiency. Maintaining their offensive pressure, they effectively neutralized CF Montréal’s attempts to find an equalizer.
The decisive period of the match arrived around the hour mark. In the 60th minute, Telasco Segovia extended Inter Miami’s advantage, scoring to make it 3-1 and provide a comfortable cushion. The goal was a significant blow to Montréal’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
Merely two minutes later, in the 62nd minute, Lionel Messi struck again. His second goal of the match further solidified Inter Miami’s lead, bringing the score to 4-1 and effectively putting the result beyond doubt. Messi’s ability to find the net shortly after Segovia’s goal highlighted the team’s ability to deliver quick, successive blows.
The final half hour saw Inter Miami manage the game effectively, denying CF Montréal significant opportunities to reduce the deficit and securing a comprehensive road victory.
Messi Enters MLS Record Books
Beyond his immediate impact on the scoreline, Lionel Messi’s performance at Stade Saputo etched his name further into the MLS record books. With two goals and one assist against CF Montréal, Messi achieved a remarkable feat: recording at least two goals and one assist in three consecutive league matches.
This accomplishment places him in an exclusive category of MLS players. He is just the third player in the league’s history to achieve this specific statistical output over three consecutive appearances. Notably, he is the first player to do so since legendary French striker Thierry Henry accomplished the same back in 2012 while playing for the New York Red Bulls. Messi’s consistent, high-level production underscores his transformative impact on the league and his continued individual brilliance.
League Standings and Season Context
The important road win significantly boosts Inter Miami’s standing in the Eastern Conference. The victory brings their MLS regular season record to 9 wins, 3 losses, and 5 draws (9W-3L-5D), accumulating a total of 32 points.
This points tally positions Inter Miami CF in sixth place within the competitive Eastern Conference. Securing points away from home is crucial for teams aiming for a strong playoff position, and this dominant performance against a conference opponent provides valuable momentum as the season progresses following the Club World Cup interruption.
Inter Miami Starting XI
Coach Gerardo Martino selected a strong lineup for the crucial away fixture. The starting eleven for Inter Miami CF against CF Montréal was:
* Goalkeeper: Óscar Ustari
* Defenders: Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, Tomás Avilés, Jordi Alba
* Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Telasco Segovia
* Forwards: Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez
This blend of experienced international stars and emerging talent proved effective in securing the vital three points.
Conclusion
Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory over CF Montréal was a powerful statement upon their return to MLS play. Despite an early scare, the team demonstrated impressive offensive firepower and composure, led by a historic individual performance from Lionel Messi. The win not only secured valuable points in the Eastern Conference race but also reaffirmed Inter Miami’s potential as a major contender this season. The focus will now shift to maintaining this form as they navigate the remainder of their MLS schedule.
