Lionel Messi scored four goals, including two free kicks, as Inter Miami defeated CF Montreal 7-1 on August 29, 2026, in a match marked by dominant possession and a historic performance from the MLS star.
Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance, scoring four goals and adding an assist as Inter Miami crushed CF Montreal 7-1 on August 29, 2026, at Nu Stadium. The 39-year-old forward’s four-goal game in MLS—his first since 2020—solidified his status as the league’s top scorer, with 18 goals this season. The victory extended Miami’s winning streak against Montreal to five consecutive matches, ending a 1-2-2 August record for the club.
Messi’s Four-Goal Masterclass
He doubled his tally in the 52nd minute, navigating past defenders to slot home a right-footed finish. The Argentinian completed his hat trick in the 83rd minute with a chip over Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, following a pass from Rodrigo De Paul. His fourth goal came in stoppage time, another free kick that sealed the 7-1 result. Bleacher Report noted Miami controlled 57% of possession and registered 11 shots on goal, underscoring their dominance.
Messi’s performance extended his lead in the MLS Golden Boot race, with 18 goals this season—two ahead of FC Dallas’ Petar Musa. It was his eighth career four-goal game, a milestone last achieved during his Barcelona days in 2020. The victory also marked Miami’s first win since beating Montreal 1-0 on the road to close out July, ending a 1-2-2 stretch in August that included a 1-2 loss to Toronto FC.
Inter Miami’s Tactical Superiority
Inter Miami’s tactical approach was on full display, with Carlos Casimiro opening the scoring in the 20th minute via a header from Telasco Segovia’s corner. Montreal pulled level in the 37th minute through Fabian Herbers’ first goal of the season, but Miami responded with three unanswered goals. Luis Suárez added a 4-1 lead in the 80th minute, assisted by Messi, while 18-year-old rookie Alexander Shaw sealed the win with a 6-1 goal in the 89th.
Defensively, Miami’s Dayne St. Clair made three saves, while Montreal’s Thomas Gillier saved five shots. The result improved Miami to 12-4-6 on the season, second in the Eastern Conference, while Montreal fell to 5-11-6, 14th in the standings. The victory also continued Miami’s winning run in their all-time meetings, with six wins per side, while another match resulted in a draw.
Logistics and Fan Incentives
Inter Miami emphasized accessibility for fans, offering $10 roundtrip Tri-Rail tickets to the Miami Intermodal Center for all remaining 2026 matches at Nu Stadium. The promotion included a $10 food credit, redeemable by the Guest Services location outside of Section 101 of the stadium. Inter Miami CF also detailed parking policies, noting that single-match passes were only available for the Yellow Lot, with the Audi Black and Red Lots sold out. The club reiterated its clear-bag policy, allowing only specific types of bags to expedite entry.
The match drew a crowd eager to witness Messi’s performance, with fans encouraged to use public transit. The event also served as a test for Miami’s new transportation initiatives, part of broader efforts to manage large-scale events at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami CF provided detailed directions and parking guidelines, reflecting the club’s focus on fan experience.
Inter Miami will host Atlanta United on September 5, while Montreal faces the Philadelphia Union. ABC News noted that the victory marked Inter Miami’s first victory since beating Montreal 1-0 on the road to close out July, signaling a potential turnaround for the club.
The game’s outcome and Messi’s performance will likely influence MLS narratives heading into the final stretch of the 2026 season. With Miami’s schedule featuring high-stakes matchups, the club’s ability to sustain this form will be critical. For Montreal, the loss adds pressure to improve its standing, as the team seeks to avoid a third season outside the playoff picture.
