Lionel Messi delivered a sensational performance as Inter Miami demolished CF Montreal 7-1 on Saturday, scoring four goals and setting up another in a dominant MLS victory. It was Messi’s first four-goal game in MLS, with Miami scoring six unanswered goals after Montreal briefly levelled the contest.Carlos Casimiro gave Miami an early lead in the 20th minute with a header from Telasco Segovia’s corner. Montreal responded 17 minutes later through Fabian Herbers, making it 1-1.Messi restored Miami’s advantage in the 40th minute with his 15th goal of the season, finding the net from a free kick. He struck again in the 52nd minute to put Inter Miami 3-1 ahead.The Argentine then completed his remarkable four-goal haul with goals in the 83rd minute and the sixth minute of stoppage time. His final goal also came from a free kick. Messi entered the match two goals behind FC Dallas forward Petar Musa in the MLS scoring race.

Miami finish with a flourish

Luis Suárez added Miami’s fourth goal in the 80th minute after receiving an assist from Messi, who recorded his 10th assist of the season. Eighteen-year-old Alexander Shaw also scored in the 89th minute for his first MLS goal.Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made three saves as Miami improved to 12-4-6. The victory was their fifth straight against Montreal and their first since beating the Canadian side 1-0 away from home at the end of July.Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier made five saves, but his side could not prevent a heavy defeat as Miami ran riot in the second half.