Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance at Nu Stadium on the evening of 29/8. The Argentine superstar played the full 90 minutes, touching the ball 57 times, completing one dribble, creating three chances, and carrying the ball 28 times. He took 8 shots, with 5 on target. Despite an expected goals (xG) rating of just 1,2, Messi still scored 4 goals. The Inter Miami captain received a perfect 10 rating from Sofascore.

Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during Inter Miami's 5-1 victory over Montreal in MLS at Nu Stadium, Miami, US, on 29/8. *Photo: AP*

Messi began his "show" in the 40th minute. From a free-kick on the right flank, the 39-year-old forward unleashed a curling shot that flew over the wall. The ball deflected off Luca Petrasso, changing direction and leaving goalkeeper Thomas Gillier helpless.

Early in the second half, Messi received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and skillfully maneuvered it amidst three Montreal players. The Argentine superstar shifted the ball to his right foot before striking it diagonally into the net, extending the lead to 3-1.

Messi completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute. Following a through ball from Rodrigo De Paul, the former Barca and PSG forward sprinted into the box and chipped the ball with his right foot over the Montreal goalkeeper, watching it slowly roll into the net.

But Messi was not finished. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, he scored again from a free-kick over 20 meters out, completing his four-goal haul and sealing Inter Miami's 7-1 victory.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also contributed an assist, providing a through ball for Luis Suarez to break into the box and strike the ball with the outside of his foot past the visiting team's goalkeeper in the 80th minute. Inter Miami's two other goals were scored by Casemiro and Alexander Shaw.

Messi's brilliant performance secured Inter Miami's largest victory in club history and marked the first time they scored seven goals in a single match.

The 7-1 result also ended Inter Miami's 5-match winless streak across all competitions. Previously, they had lost 1-2 to Monterrey and 2-3 to Leon, resulting in their elimination from the Leagues Cup, and suffered MLS defeats of 1-4 to Nashville and 1-2 to Toronto, alongside a 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union. This disappointing run of results prompted Inter Miami to make a change, appointing coach Kily Gonzalez to replace Guillermo Hoyos.

Hoyos still managed the team for the Montreal match before handing over the position to his compatriot. Gonzalez will make his debut in the next match when Inter Miami hosts Atlanta United on 5/9.

Hong Duy