Lionel Messi delivered a dominant performance on August 29, 2026, scoring four goals and assisting one to lead Inter Miami to a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal in a Major League Soccer match [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. This marked Messi's first time scoring four goals in an MLS game, although he has achieved four or more goals multiple times in other competitions during his career [1, 6, 5].

Messi’s four goals came at a crucial moment for Inter Miami. The result snapped a five-game winless streak across all competitions for the team, which had struggled since the post-World Cup break, winning only 3 of 9 matches and losing 4 of the last 5 before this game [1, 7, 3, 8, 5]. "There are no words to describe such footballing beauty. So much is going on that words simply fall short," said interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos, praising Messi’s masterclass performance [1].

The 39-year-old forward now leads the MLS scoring charts with 18 goals this season [1, 3, 4, 5]. Other scorers for Inter Miami included Casemiro, Luis Suarez, and newcomer Alexander Shaw, who made his debut and scored [4, 5]. CF Montreal’s lone goal was a consolation strike by Fabian Herbers in the 37th minute [4, 5].

Inter Miami midfielder Casemiro, who joined the team in July 2026, called Messi a player who "makes history" and said, "We have to enjoy these moments because he is a person, a player that makes history" and "with him, we are so much stronger" [1, 2, 3, 5].

Inter Miami currently holds second place in the MLS Eastern Conference with 39 points from 21 games, trailing leaders Nashville SC by seven points [9, 8, 5]. The club recently announced Cristian "Kily" González, a former Argentina international with 56 caps, as their new head coach. He will replace interim manager Guillermo Hoyos once his work permit is approved [7, 9, 8]. Hoyos, who took over on April 14 after Javier Mascherano resigned for personal reasons, denied that the coaching change was influenced by Messi, calling it a club decision [7, 9, 8].

Hoyos was recently suspended for one game due to repeated late kickoff violations by his players [7, 8].

Inter Miami will next aim to build on their strong win and maintain momentum as González steps in as the permanent head coach. The timing of Gonzalez’s arrival depends on the approval of his work permit.