Messi Stars With Hat Trick as Inter Miami Dominates Montreal 7-1

Inter Miami secured a resounding 7-1 victory over CF Montreal in Major League Soccer play, marking a return to winning ways after a five-game winless streak. Lionel Messi was the standout performer, scoring a hat trick and providing an assist in his team's dominant display.

The match also saw the debut of a new coach for Inter Miami. The team had been struggling, with four losses and a draw in their previous five matches across all competitions. They took an early lead in the 20th minute through a Casemiro header from a Talles Magno corner. Montreal managed to equalize in the 37th minute, but an own goal by Luka Petrasso just before halftime, following a free kick from Messi, restored Miami's lead at 2-1.

In the second half, Inter Miami intensified their attack. Messi scored his second goal in the 52nd minute with a brilliant individual effort. He then assisted Luis Suárez in the 80th minute, making it 4-1. Shortly after, Rodrigo De Paul set up Messi for his third goal, and Alexander Schoop added a sixth in the 89th minute. Messi completed his hat trick in stoppage time with a spectacular free kick, sealing the emphatic 7-1 win.

Despite the victory, Inter Miami remains in second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Nashville by ten points. In other MLS action, Charlotte FC, featuring Israeli players Liel Abada and Idan Toklomati, defeated Atlanta United 2-0, with both Abada and Toklomati scoring goals, capping a successful night for Israeli talent in the league.