Lionel Messi delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday night, scoring twice and assisting once to guide Inter Miami to a 4-2 win over CF Montréal. The victory snapped a troubling winless streak for the Herons, marking only their second win in the last eight matches. With key contributions from Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, Miami reclaimed momentum just in time for its upcoming Club World Cup campaign. Once dominant in the MLS standings, Miami’s recent slump had sparked concern, but Wednesday’s result provided a timely boost for a team still considered one of the league’s strongest on paper.
Messi Inspires Much-Needed Turnaround
With the pressure mounting after a string of underwhelming performances, Inter Miami looked to its captain to ignite a turnaround. Lionel Messi, who has been the centerpiece of the club’s offense since his arrival, responded with precision and poise. His opening goal in the 27th minute was set up by a clever pass from Sergio Busquets, another Barcelona alumnus, who also provided a key screen to free Messi near the box.
That goal marked Messi’s seventh of the 2025 MLS season and reinvigorated a side that had not won since May 3.
Suárez Breaks His Drought
Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, who had struggled for form with only two goals in the season prior to Wednesday, found the net twice in quick succession. His first came in the 68th minute, courtesy of an incisive setup by Messi, who danced past multiple defenders before laying off the ball. Suárez added another in the 71st minute, doubling his season tally in the span of four minutes.
For Suárez, who was tied for the second-highest goal scorer in MLS last season with 20 goals, the brace was both a personal relief and a crucial lift for the team’s attacking confidence.
Defensive Lapses Continue to Haunt Miami
While Miami’s offense found its rhythm, defensive vulnerabilities persisted. Dante Sealy and Victor Loturi capitalized on lapses in the back line to keep Montréal in the contest. Fortunately for the Herons, the visitors’ inability to contain Messi and Suárez proved to be the decisive factor.
Montreal, which now sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only one win this season, failed to sustain pressure despite scoring twice. The defeat adds to what has been a dismal campaign for the Canadian side.
Season Context: From Record-Breaking to Recovery Mode
Inter Miami entered the 2025 season with high expectations following a record-setting 2024, during which they posted a league-best 22-4-8 record, amassed 74 points, and secured the Supporters' Shield. However, the momentum from that historic run seemed to vanish this spring, as the club endured a 0-2-2 stretch before Wednesday’s breakthrough.
The victory against Montreal may not fully resolve tactical concerns, but it offers a morale boost and an opportunity to recalibrate heading into a packed schedule.
Club World Cup Looms as Next Challenge
With domestic form beginning to stabilize, Inter Miami now sets its sights on the FIFA Club World Cup. The team is scheduled to play its final MLS match before the tournament on Saturday against Columbus Crew, after which they will face Egyptian champions Al Ahly on June 14 in their opening match.
For Messi and company, the Club World Cup represents both an opportunity to extend their global brand and a test of the team’s cohesion under high-stakes conditions.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s brilliance continues to be the heartbeat of Inter Miami’s ambitions. With Suárez regaining his scoring touch and the team rediscovering its offensive flair, Miami appears poised to reassert itself both in MLS and on the international stage. However, defensive stability will remain a key concern. As the Herons prepare for their next chapter in the Club World Cup, Wednesday night’s victory might well be the turning point they needed.
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