MESSI HITS FOUR AS INTER MIAMI SMASH MONTRéAL 7-1

Lionel Messi produced another extraordinary display as Inter Miami ended their five-match winless run with a commanding 7-1 victory over CF Montréal in Major League Soccer.

The Argentine superstar scored four goals and provided an assist as Miami ran riot at home, delivering one of the most impressive individual performances of his MLS career. The four-goal haul was Messi's first such performance in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami opened the scoring through Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who headed in his first goal for the club after joining during the summer.

Messi then took centre stage, doubling Miami's advantage before continuing his remarkable night with further goals in the second half.

The 39-year-old also turned provider, setting up Luis Suárez for Miami's fourth goal as the home side continued to overwhelm Montréal.

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute before adding his fourth goal in stoppage time to cap a sensational evening. Teenage forward Alexander Shaw also got on the scoresheet as Miami completed the seven-goal rout.

The victory was particularly important for Inter Miami after a difficult run of results. The club had gone five matches without a victory, making the emphatic win a major boost to their confidence as the MLS season enters its decisive stages.

Messi's performance also moved him to the top of the MLS scoring chart with 18 league goals for the season. He also registered an assist, underlining his influence beyond simply finding the net.

The four-goal performance marked the first time Messi had scored four in a single MLS match. It added another remarkable chapter to his career, with the veteran continuing to produce elite numbers despite being 39 years old.

Inter Miami's attacking display was also notable for the contribution of Casemiro, Suárez and Shaw, giving the team a much-needed collective boost after their recent struggles.

For Montréal, the defeat was a painful one as they were unable to cope with Miami's attacking quality once the hosts established control of the contest.

Messi's performance drew widespread praise after the match, with Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos admitting that words were difficult to find to describe the Argentine's display.

The result gives Inter Miami renewed momentum in their push for success this season, while Messi's latest goalscoring masterclass further demonstrates why he remains one of the most influential players in world football.

With four goals and an assist in one match, Messi once again proved decisive for Miami, turning a potentially difficult fixture into a historic night for the club.