Inter Miami returned to Major League Soccer action with a commanding 4-1 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Stadium Saputo in Montreal, Quebec. After a month-long break due to their participation in the Club World Cup, where they faced a tough 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, Miami showed no signs of fatigue or discouragement. Led by the ever-brilliant Lionel Messi, who netted two stunning goals, Inter Miami secured their third consecutive MLS win, improving their record to 9-3-5 and accumulating 32 points.
The match began with an early shock for Miami fans as Montreal’s Prince Owusu gave the home side a 1-0 lead in just the second minute. Owusu capitalized on a missed pass by Messi, collecting the ball at the top of the box and slotting it neatly through goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s legs. It was a sharp reminder that despite Miami’s star power, Montreal was ready to fight hard on home turf.
Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois was instrumental in keeping the scoreline respectable in the early stages. He made several key saves, including denying Miami from a corner kick in the 13th minute and tipping a Jordi Alba shot off the post just two minutes later. Sirois continued to frustrate Miami’s attackers with timely interventions in the 20th and 27th minutes, thwarting chances from Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia respectively.
However, the deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Messi found Allende outside the box. Allende took a couple of strides before unleashing a precise shot into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal seemed to swing the momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.
Just seven minutes later, Messi showcased why he remains one of the world’s best. Cutting inside from the right flank, the Argentine maestro curled a low, unstoppable shot into the bottom far corner of the net, giving Miami a 2-1 lead heading into halftime. Messi’s second goal came shortly after the hour mark, a breathtaking solo effort that saw him weave through multiple defenders from midfield before firing a high shot into the net. This goal was a testament to his enduring skill and creativity on the pitch.
In between Messi’s two strikes, Telasco Segovia added Miami’s third goal in the 60th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box that grazed the underside of the crossbar before settling in the net, extending Miami’s lead to 3-1. This goal further demoralized the home side and underscored Miami’s offensive dominance.
Despite the loss, Montreal had shown glimpses of resilience, having won two of their previous three matches before this encounter. However, their overall record of 3-13-5 and 14 points reflects a challenging season, compounded by a goal difference of -22. Miami’s victory not only boosts their standing but also signals their intent to continue climbing the Eastern Conference table.
Inter Miami’s journey to this point has been eventful. Their recent participation in the Club World Cup brought them face-to-face with European giants PSG, who routed them 4-0 in a high-profile match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of 65,574 fans. PSG’s João Neves scored twice, and the French side’s clinical performance underscored their status as one of the world’s top clubs. PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed his team’s ambition, saying, “It’s clear that this is a historic season for us. We intend to continue making history with this competition.”
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, speaking through an interpreter, acknowledged PSG’s quality but remained proud of his team’s resilience. “With their youthful players and high caliber and an amazing coach, they didn’t let us relax for one second,” Mascherano said. “I feel like this is a team that will be remembered.”
Following their Club World Cup exit, Miami quickly refocused on MLS competition, and the results have been encouraging. Messi, in particular, has been a revelation, tallying 12 goals in just 14 MLS appearances this season. His performance against Montreal reaffirmed his pivotal role in Miami’s attack and their ambitions to challenge for playoff positions.
The match was officiated by referee Marcos de Oliveira, who managed the game smoothly despite its high tempo and intensity. Fans watching from home had access to the live stream via a free trial to Apple TV, making the game accessible to a broad audience eager to see Messi back in action after the international break.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will aim to maintain their momentum as the MLS season progresses. Their current standing places them comfortably in the playoff hunt, but with stiff competition from teams like FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, and Philadelphia Union, consistency will be key. Montreal, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle to improve their fortunes and avoid slipping further down the table.
Saturday’s match was a vivid showcase of Messi’s enduring brilliance and Miami’s growing cohesion as a team. From Owusu’s early strike to Miami’s late surge, the game had its share of drama and excitement, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Messi and Inter Miami to see if they can translate these performances into sustained success.
With the Club World Cup behind them and the MLS season in full swing, Inter Miami’s focus is clear: to build on their recent victories and push deeper into the playoffs. Saturday’s emphatic win over Montreal was a step in the right direction, fueled by spectacular individual talent and collective effort. The soccer world will be watching closely as this story continues to develop.
