Lionel Messi delivered a spectacular performance Saturday night, netting four goals as Inter Miami crushed Montreal 7-1. The victory marked the highest-scoring match in Miami's history and ended the club's winless run that had stretched back to July 25.
The Argentine opened the scoring in the 40th minute when his free kick deflected off an opposing player and found the net. Seven minutes into the second half, he added a second goal following an impressive individual run, then turned provider to set up Luis Suarez for another score.
With seven minutes remaining in regulation, Messi completed his hat-trick with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper. But the 39-year-old wasn't finished. Deep into stoppage time, he stepped up to take another free kick and curled the ball precisely into the corner for his fourth goal of the night—his first quadruple wearing Inter Miami colors.
"That's what Messi means to the team," said Miami midfielder Casemiro. "We need to enjoy these moments, because we're talking about a person and a player who makes history. He continues to be the best. We need to enjoy it, because with him we are much stronger."
