Lionel Messi, shaking off an early mistake, led the Herons with a breathtaking brace, while Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia also found the net in a match that showcased Miami’s attacking prowess. Despite an early setback, Inter Miami dominated proceedings, securing three crucial points to climb to 32 points from 17 matches in the 2025 MLS season. Below is a detailed breakdown of the goals, key moments, and player performances that defined this emphatic win.
Match OverviewThe clash at Stade Saputo was a tale of resilience and brilliance for Inter Miami, who overcame an early deficit to assert their dominance. CF Montreal, buoyed by a recent 1-0 win over New York City FC, started brightly with a goal just two minutes in, capitalizing on a rare Messi error. However, Inter Miami responded with relentless pressure, equalizing before halftime and pulling away in the second half with three more goals. The Herons’ attacking trio of Messi, Luis Suárez, and Allende, supported by a solid midfield and defense, proved too much for a Montreal side struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
This victory was a statement of intent from Inter Miami, who had been winless in their previous four MLS matches before the Club World Cup. Under head coach Javier Mascherano, the team showed hunger and cohesion, with Messi’s magic and contributions from younger talents like Segovia and Allende stealing the show. Montreal, despite their early lead, couldn’t match Miami’s intensity and quality, falling to their 12th loss of the season.
Goals and Key Moments2’ | CF Montreal 1-0 Inter Miami | Prince OwusuThe match began with a shock for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi, attempting to play out from the back, miscommunicated with right-back Marcelo Weigandt just outside the penalty area. Montreal’s Prince Owusu pounced on the loose ball, driving into the box and firing a low shot through the legs of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. The early strike stunned the Herons and ignited the Stade Saputo crowd, giving Montreal a dream start.
15’ | Missed Opportunity for Inter MiamiInter Miami nearly equalized in the 15th minute when Sergio Busquets set up Jordi Alba for a promising chance. Alba’s left-footed strike from the edge of the box rattled the right post, and Messi’s follow-up on the rebound sailed over the bar. The moment highlighted Miami’s growing pressure but also their early wastefulness in front of goal.
33’ | CF Montreal 1-1 Inter Miami | Tadeo AllendeThe Herons drew level in the 33rd minute through a well-worked move. Messi, shaking off his earlier error, delivered a precise through ball to Tadeo Allende on the right wing. The young winger cut inside and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that beat Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois at the near post. Allende’s clinical finish marked his first goal of the match and shifted the momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.
40’ | CF Montreal 1-2 Inter Miami | Lionel MessiJust before halftime, Messi produced a moment of brilliance to give Inter Miami the lead. Luis Suárez, receiving the ball in midfield, headed it into Messi’s path. The Argentine maestro dribbled past two Montreal defenders with ease, creating space before curling a sublime left-footed shot into the side netting from just inside the box. The goal, Messi’s first of the night, showcased his unrivaled ability to turn games on their head and sent Miami into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
60’ | CF Montreal 1-3 Inter Miami | Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami extended their lead in the second half with a stunning strike from midfielder Telasco Segovia. The Venezuelan, who had been relatively quiet, picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a curling right-footed shot that soared into the top corner, leaving Sirois with no chance. Segovia’s world-class finish gave Miami a two-goal cushion and underlined their dominance in the second half.
62’ | CF Montreal 1-4 Inter Miami | Lionel Messi
Two minutes later, Messi delivered what many are calling his best goal of the 2025 MLS season so far. Fed by another clever pass from Suárez, Messi embarked on a mesmerizing solo run from near midfield. He weaved past four Montreal defenders with a series of deft touches and feints, before slotting a composed finish past Sirois. The goal, a true work of art, sent social media into a frenzy and effectively sealed the victory for Inter Miami.
90+2’ | Missed Chance for MontrealIn stoppage time, Montreal’s Victor Loturi nearly pulled one back, latching onto a cross from Bryce Duke. However, his left-footed shot from a tight angle missed the target, summing up Montreal’s frustration in the final third. Inter Miami’s defense held firm to secure the 4-1 result.
Player Ratings
Inter Miami
Goalkeeper & Defense
Oscar Ustari (6/10): Caught out by Owusu’s early strike, which went through his legs, but recovered to make key saves, including efforts from Hennadii Synchuk and Prince Owusu. Reliable distribution helped Miami build from the back.
Marcelo Weigandt (6/10): At fault for the early mix-up with Messi that led to Montreal’s goal but redeemed himself with solid defending and overlapping runs down the right.
Maximiliano Falcon (8/10): A rock at center-back, winning duels and showing aggression both on and off the ball. Miami’s standout defender, rarely putting a foot wrong.
Tomas Aviles (7/10): Composed in possession and effective in his defensive duties before being substituted due to injury. A quietly impressive outing.
Jordi Alba (6/10): Struggled to make an impact going forward, with his shot hitting the post being his only notable contribution. Defensively sound but lacked his usual spark.
MidfieldTelasco Segovia (8/10): Quiet for much of the game but exploded with a sensational curling strike for Miami’s third goal. His composure and quality in the final third were crucial.Benjamin Cremaschi (7/10): Played a disciplined box-to-box role, supporting Busquets defensively while contributing to build-up play. A well-rounded performance.Sergio Busquets (6/10): Anchored the midfield with his usual poise, completing 92% of his passes. Didn’t dominate but was reliable in possession and defensively.
AttackLionel Messi (9/10): Overcame an early error to deliver a masterclass. His brace—featuring a curled beauty and a jaw-dropping solo effort—along with an assist for Allende’s goal, underlined his genius. A magical night from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Luis Suárez (7/10): Provided two pinpoint assists for Messi’s goals, showcasing his vision and link-up play. Less effective in front of goal but vital to Miami’s attacking fluency.Tadeo Allende (8/10): Lively throughout, scoring a brilliant equalizer and constantly threatening Montreal’s defense with his pace and directness. A standout performance.
SubstitutesRyan Sailor (6/10): Replaced Falcon and held firm defensively, though he picked up a late yellow card. Solid in limited minutes.Fafa Picault (6/10): Came on for Allende and helped maintain Miami’s attacking momentum without directly contributing to the scoresheet.Federico Redondo (6/10): Replaced Cremaschi and kept things tidy in midfield, completing all his passes in a brief cameo.David Martinez (6/10): Subbed in for Aviles and was booked for a foul but otherwise steady.Baltasar Rodriguez (6/10): Limited impact after replacing Segovia but helped see out the game.
CF MontrealJonathan Sirois (5/10): Conceded four goals, with little chance on most due to Miami’s clinical finishing. Made a few saves but was exposed by defensive errors.Jalen Neal (5/10): Struggled against Miami’s attacking trio, particularly Messi, and was caught out of position for the second goal.George Campbell (4/10): A poor performance, highlighted by a costly error that led to Miami’s third goal. Substituted after struggling to cope with Miami’s pace.Luca Petrasso (5/10): Overwhelmed by Allende and Messi on the flanks, failing to provide defensive stability.Dawid Bugaj (5/10): Battled hard but was outclassed by Miami’s attacking quality.Samuel Piette (6/10): Montreal’s captain showed effort in midfield but was overrun by Miami’s movement and passing.Nathan Saliba (5/10): Struggled to impose himself against Busquets and Cremaschi, losing key duels.Fabian Herbers (5/10): Limited impact before being sidelined by injury.Dante Sealy (6/10): Scored Montreal’s only goal but was otherwise quiet. Showed flashes of promise.Giacomo Vrioni (5/10): Missed a big chance just before halftime and faded as the game progressed.Prince Owusu (6/10): Took his early goal well but was isolated after Miami took control.Substitutes: Bryce Duke (6/10), Aleksandr Guboglo (5/10), Sunusi Ibrahim (5/10), Hennadii Synchuk (6/10) – None could turn the tide, though Synchuk tested Ustari with a shot.
Tactical AnalysisInter Miami’s game plan under Javier Mascherano was clear: absorb early pressure, rely on Busquets to control the tempo, and unleash their attacking stars. The Herons’ 4-3-3 formation allowed Messi and Allende to exploit the wings, with Suárez acting as a playmaking No. 9. Busquets and Cremaschi provided a solid base, enabling Segovia to push forward and deliver his stunning goal. Defensively, Falcon’s aggression and Aviles’ composure neutralized Montreal’s counterattacks after the early goal.Montreal, coached by Laurent Courtois, aimed to press high and disrupt Miami’s rhythm, as evidenced by their early goal. However, their 4-2-3-1 setup lacked cohesion, with midfielders Piette and Saliba unable to cope with Miami’s movement. Defensive frailties, particularly from Campbell and Neal, were exposed by Messi’s dribbling and Allende’s pace. Montreal’s substitutions failed to change the game’s flow, and their inability to create chances after the opening goal highlighted their attacking struggles, with only 10 goals scored in 16 matches prior to this game.
Key Statistics
Possession: Inter Miami 58%, CF Montreal 42%
Shots: Inter Miami 14 (7 on target), CF Montreal 9 (3 on target)
Pass Completion: Inter Miami 89%, CF Montreal 82%
Corners: Inter Miami 5, CF Montreal 4
Fouls: Inter Miami 10, CF Montreal 8
Yellow Cards: Inter Miami 1 (Martinez), CF Montreal 0
Post-Match Reaction
Javier Mascherano praised his team’s response after the Club World Cup disappointment, stating, “It’s never easy to get back into the competition after the Club World Cup, and the players did it perfectly. It’s a great night.” He highlighted Messi’s performance but also singled out Allende and Segovia for their contributions. Montreal’s Laurent Courtois admitted his side was “outclassed” after the early goal, lamenting their inability to maintain intensity.
Social Media BuzzThe X platform lit up with praise for Messi’s performance. Posts described his second goal as a “work of art” and celebrated his ability to “dribble past entire defenses.” Fans also lauded Allende’s energy and Segovia’s “otherworldly” strike, with many noting Miami’s return to form as a sign of their playoff potential.
Inter Miami’s 4-1 rout of CF Montreal was a statement of their attacking quality and resilience. Lionel Messi’s brace, including a goal-of-the-season contender, stole the headlines, but contributions from Allende, Segovia, and Suárez underlined the team’s depth. Despite early defensive lapses and injuries to key players like Aviles, Miami’s performance was a reminder of their potential when at their best.
For Montreal, the loss highlighted their struggles, with defensive errors and a lack of cutting edge proving costly. With this win, Inter Miami move to sixth in the Eastern Conference with 32 points, while Montreal remain rooted near the bottom. The Herons will look to build on this momentum in a busy July schedule, while Montreal face an uphill battle to climb the standings.
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