On a balmy Florida evening, Lionel Messi did something he had never done in a Major League Soccer jersey: he scored four goals in a single match, adding an assist for good measure, as Inter Miami routed CF Montréal 5-2 at Chase Stadium. The performance wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a seismic event for a league often accused of being a retirement home for aging stars.
Messi’s poker a term borrowed from poker’s four-of-a-kind was his first four-goal haul in any league since a Champions League match for Barcelona in 2010. It also snapped Inter Miami’s five-game winless streak, reigniting their playoff push and sending a message to the rest of MLS: the magician still has plenty of tricks left.
Context: A Legend Under Scrutiny
When Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, the narrative was predictable: a 36-year-old superstar coming to a fledgling club in a ‘retirement league.’ But Messi quickly rewrote that script, delivering a Leagues Cup title within weeks and a Supporters’ Shield in 2024. Yet, the 2025 season had been rocky. A five-match winless run in MLS play had critics questioning whether age and injuries were finally catching up with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
This match against CF Montréal was not just about three points; it was about silencing doubters and proving that Messi, at 38, could still produce moments of transcendent brilliance. The fact that he did it in such emphatic fashion—four goals and an assist—makes a statement that echoes far beyond Fort Lauderdale.
The Goals: A Clinic in Finishing
Messi’s four goals were a masterclass in variety. The first came from a trademark free kick that curled over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the Montréal goalkeeper rooted to his spot. His second was a poacher’s finish, tapping in from close range after a defensive lapse. The third showcased his dribbling, as he wove through three defenders before slotting the ball home. And the fourth, a clinical left-footed strike from the edge of the box, sealed the rout.
Each goal was a reminder of what makes Messi unique: his ability to read the game, his precision, and his unerring composure in front of goal. The assist, a perfectly weighted through-ball to Luis Suárez, was the cherry on top, demonstrating that even at his age, Messi remains a creator as much as a finisher.
Historical Significance: Where Does This Rank?
Messi’s career has been defined by extraordinary achievements, including a five-goal haul against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2011-12 Champions League. Four-goal games, however, have become rarer as he has aged; his last such performance in a top European league was in 2019, when he scored four against Eibar in La Liga. This MLS match was his first four-goal game in any league since that night.
The performance also put Messi atop the MLS scoring charts, with his season tally now approaching 20 goals. At this pace, he could challenge Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 35 goals, set in 2019. But more importantly, it injected new life into Inter Miami’s season, which had been faltering.
Tactical Breakdown: How Inter Miami Unleashed Messi
Manager Javier Mascherano, himself a former Barcelona teammate of Messi, deployed his star in a free role, allowing him to drift between the lines and find pockets of space. This tactical flexibility made it nearly impossible for Montréal to mark him. Suárez’s intelligent movement created space for Messi, while the midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, and Julian Gressel provided the service and defensive cover that allowed Messi to focus on attacking.
Montréal, on the other hand, had no answer. Their high defensive line was exploited repeatedly, and their midfield failed to close down Messi before he could receive the ball. Head coach Laurent Courtois admitted after the match, “We had a plan, but when Messi plays like that, there is no plan that can stop him.” The defeat exposed Montréal’s fragility on the road, where they have now conceded 15 goals in their last six away matches.
Broader Implications for MLS
Messi’s performance will inevitably reignite the debate about the competitive level of MLS. Critics will argue that a 38-year-old scoring four goals against a professional defense proves the league is substandard. But such a view ignores the broader context: Messi is arguably the greatest player of all time, and even in his late 30s, he possesses a first touch and football IQ that are unmatched. Moreover, MLS has evolved significantly in recent years, with clubs investing in younger talents and better coaching.
What this performance does do is highlight the league’s growing global appeal. Matches featuring Messi consistently break attendance and streaming records, and this one was no different. Chase Stadium was a cauldron of noise, with fans chanting ‘Messi, Messi’ from the first minute. The commercial impact is undeniable: Messi’s presence has elevated MLS’s profile, attracting sponsors and viewers from around the world.
The Human Side: A Legend’s Resilience
Beyond the statistics, there is a human story here. Messi has faced criticism throughout his career, from his early struggles with growth hormone deficiency to the weight of international expectations. His move to MLS was seen by some as a step down, but he has treated it with the same professionalism and intensity that defined his time at Barcelona. This performance is a testament to his work ethic and his refusal to accept decline.
For the fans in Fort Lauderdale, it was a night to remember. One supporter, holding a sign that read ‘We Are Witnessing History,’ summed up the sentiment: “People say he’s past his prime, but he just showed us he’s still the best. We’re lucky to see him in person.”
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
This victory moves Inter Miami up the Eastern Conference table, and with Messi in this form, they must be considered serious contenders for the MLS Cup. The win also provides a psychological boost, proving that they can overcome adversity. Key players returning from injury, coupled with Messi’s resurgence, could make them the team to beat in the playoffs.
Montréal, meanwhile, faces an existential crisis. Conceding four to a single player is demoralizing, and their defensive frailties have been exposed. They will need to regroup quickly if they hope to secure a playoff spot, but matches against lower-ranked teams offer an opportunity to rebuild confidence.
A Performance for the Ages
In the annals of MLS history, this match will be remembered as the night Messi announced that he is not done yet. It was a performance that transcended the sport, a reminder of why we watch football. For Inter Miami, it was a turning point; for MLS, it was a marketing goldmine; and for Messi, it was yet another chapter in a storied career that seems to have no end in sight.
Messi’s four-goal masterpiece against Montréal was more than just a statistical anomaly; it was a statement of intent. At 38, he continues to defy expectations, reminding the world why he is considered the greatest. For MLS, it was a showcase of the league’s growing credibility; for Inter Miami, it was a lifeline. As the season progresses, one thing is certain: Messi is not merely a tourist in American soccer—he is a transformative figure, capable of changing the game with a single touch.
Summary
- Lionel Messi scored four goals and added an assist in Inter Miami’s 5-2 rout of CF Montréal, marking his first four-goal game in MLS.
- The performance snapped Inter Miami’s five-game winless streak and reignited their playoff push.
- Messi’s four-goal haul was his first since a Champions League match in 2010, showcasing his enduring brilliance at age 38.
- The match reignited debates about MLS’s competitive level, with Messi’s performance highlighting both the league’s growth and its challenges.
- Inter Miami’s tactical setup, featuring Messi in a free role, proved unstoppable for Montréal, who struggled defensively throughout.
FAQ
Q: Was this Messi’s first four-goal game in his career?
A: No. Messi has scored four or more goals multiple times, including a five-goal performance against Bayer Leverkusen in 2012. This was his first four-goal game in MLS and his first in any league since 2019.
Q: How does this performance affect Messi’s MLS scoring record chase?
A: Messi’s four goals moved him to the top of the MLS scoring charts, with around 20 goals for the season. If he maintains this pace, he could challenge Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 35 goals.
Q: What was the final score of the match?
A: Inter Miami won 5-2 against CF Montréal at Chase Stadium.
Q: How did Inter Miami set up to maximize Messi’s impact?
A: Messi played in a free role, drifting between the lines and finding space. Luis Suárez’s movement created openings, and the midfield provided service, allowing Messi to focus on attacking.
Q: What does this mean for CF Montréal’s season?
A: The loss exposed Montréal’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on the road. They will need to address these issues to secure a playoff spot, but the defeat could be a wake-up call for the squad.