Four goals in a historic victory

At 39, Lionel Messi continues to produce performances that would be remarkable for a player at any stage of his career.

The Argentine scored four goals and provided an assist as Inter Miami demolished CF Montréal 7-1 on Saturday. The result was the largest victory in the club’s history and ended a five-game winless run across all competitions.

Messi’s four goals came in strikingly different ways. He broke the deadlock with a direct free kick, dribbled past three defenders for his second and completed his hat-trick with a delicate finish over the goalkeeper.

He then added another free kick in stoppage time, completing only the second four-goal performance of his senior career.

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According to the official Inter Miami match report, Messi also created Luis Suárez’s goal with a precise through ball.

Casemiro makes his feelings clear

Casemiro, who scored his first Inter Miami goal during the match, was full of praise for his new teammate afterwards.

“That’s what it means to have Messi on the team,” the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder told Apple TV, as quoted by MLS.

“We have to enjoy these moments because he is a person, a player who makes history. He continues to be the best. He proved it in the World Cup. We have to enjoy it because, with him, we are so much stronger.”

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Casemiro spent years competing against Messi during some of the fiercest Clásico matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona. He is now experiencing the Argentine’s influence from the same dressing room.

Messi breaks another MLS record

The four-goal performance moved Messi from two goals behind in the MLS Golden Boot race to two goals clear at the top. He now has 18 goals and ten assists during the regular season.

Messi also became the fastest player in MLS history to register 20 multi-goal matches, reaching the landmark in only 72 appearances. He was the 19th player to score four times in a single league game.

His latest performance has strengthened his chances of winning a third consecutive MLS Most Valuable Player award, something no player has previously achieved.

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Inter Miami remain ten points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, but Messi’s individual level continues to defy his age.

Casemiro’s message was therefore simple: supporters should not become accustomed to what they are witnessing. Even at 39, Messi is still finding new ways to make history.

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