Inter Miami CF produced a breathtaking attacking display on Saturday night, dismantling CF Montréal 7-1 at Nu Stadium as Lionel Messi completed a superb hat trick.

Miami had to respond after Montréal briefly found a way back into the contest, but the home side turned a tight first half into a one-sided MLS statement. Messi scored in the 52nd, 83rd and 90+6th minutes, with his final strike—a free kick deep into stoppage time—putting an emphatic finish on a remarkable evening.

Miami edge eventful first half

Inter Miami made their early pressure count in the 20th minute when Casemiro rose to head home and give the hosts the lead. Montréal answered well, however, with Fabian Herbers scoring in the 37th minute to level the match.

The visitors’ parity lasted only three minutes. Luca Petrasso turned the ball into his own net in the 40th minute, restoring Miami’s advantage and sending the hosts into halftime 2-1 ahead.

Messi takes over after the interval

Miami seized control after the restart. Messi struck in the 52nd minute to stretch the margin, beginning a second-half avalanche that Montréal could not contain.

The home side kept creating chances, finishing with 56.6 percent possession, 20 shots and 11 efforts on target. Montréal managed 10 shots and five on target, but Miami’s cutting edge in the final third proved decisive.

Luis Suárez added the fourth in the 80th minute before Messi made it 5-1 three minutes later. Substitute Alexander Shaw joined the scoring in the 89th minute, and Messi completed his hat trick from a free kick in the 90+6th minute to cap a five-goal second half.

What it means

The result moves Inter Miami’s MLS record to 12-6-4 and provides a major lift after a difficult recent run of form. CF Montréal, now 5-6-11, will be left to rue a collapse after competing effectively for much of the first half.

Inter Miami next host Atlanta United FC on Saturday, September 5, while CF Montréal return home to face Philadelphia Union on the same day.

Goalscorers

  • Inter Miami CF: Casemiro 20′, Luca Petrasso 40′ (own goal), Lionel Messi 52′, 83′, 90+6′, Luis Suárez 80′, Alexander Shaw 89′
  • CF Montréal: Fabian Herbers 37′