Lionel Messi Scores Four Goals in Inter Miami's Record MLS Win Over Montreal

Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance on Saturday, August 29, scoring four goals to power Inter Miami to a 7-1 demolition of CF Montreal. The 39-year-old Argentine superstar single-handedly snapped his team's winless run and set a new club record for goals in a single game.

How did Messi dominate the match against Montreal?

Messi opened his account with a deflected free kick in the 40th minute. He added a second after a stunning solo run just 12 minutes later. After setting up Luis Suárez for a goal, Messi completed his hat trick with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper in the 83rd minute. He wasn't finished. Deep into stoppage time, he lined up another free kick and dispatched it with trademark precision into the side of the net. The victory was the most goals Inter Miami has ever scored in a match. Messi also provided an assist, meaning he was directly involved in five of the seven goals.

What does this mean for Messi's MLS legacy?

This was the eighth time in Messi's legendary career he has scored four or more goals in a game, and his first since joining Inter Miami. His last four-goal match came for Barcelona against Eibar in February 2020. The performance also made him the fastest player in MLS history to reach 20 multigoal games in the regular season, achieving the feat in just 72 appearances. Messi now leads the league in scoring this season with 18 goals in 19 games, putting him two ahead of FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.

Is Lionel Messi considering retirement?

Earlier in August, Messi sparked global speculation about his future with a poignant social media post. Following the death of his father, he wrote, "I'm really not sure if I'll carry on doing it for much longer." The comment, made in a tribute, has led to widespread discussion about the possible end of his playing days. Messi turned 39 during the 2026 World Cup, where he scored eight goals in eight games to drag Argentina to the final. He currently has a contract with Inter Miami that runs until December 2028.

What are teammates and rivals saying about him?

After the Montreal game, teammate Casemiro was effusive in his praise. "That's what it means to have Messi on the team," the Brazilian midfielder said. "We have to enjoy these moments because he is a person, a player that makes history. He remains the best. And he proved that in the World Cup." Casemiro, who joined Inter Miami this summer after his Manchester United contract expired, shared a fierce rivalry with Messi for years when he played for Real Madrid. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, suspended for the match, said, "There are no words to describe such footballing beauty."

Even managers not directly involved with Messi are weighing in on his legacy. Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho recently argued that the Ballon d'Or should reward individual brilliance that leaves a lasting mark, not just trophy wins. He named Messi alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Zinedine Zidane as players the world will "miss for eternity" when they stop.

• Lionel Messi scored four goals and provided one assist in Inter Miami's 7-1 win over CF Montreal on August 29.
• He leads the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals in 19 games this season.
• Messi hinted at possible retirement in an emotional Instagram post earlier in August 2026.
• Teammate Casemiro and rival manager Jose Mourinho both hailed his enduring, historic quality.

With Messi in this kind of form, every match becomes a must-watch event, even as questions about his long-term future linger.